Foreign Service Officers are spokespersons, interpreters and narrators of India’s story to the world, says President

Speaking on the occasion, the President said Foreign Service Officers are the spokespersons, interpreters and narrators of India’s story to the world.

The President recalled how Kautilya advised the king to be careful in appointing envoys. Kautilya said those appointed as Envoys who should not be greedy, foolish or tell lies. They should be knowledgeable.

The President said the foundations of our foreign policy were laid by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru and is based on our core civilizational values.

"Our national leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel kept watch over international events and thought about how they should be linked to India’s interests. Foreign policy is an extension of the enlightened self interest of a country in the context of the environment prevailing in foreign countries," Mukherjee said.

The President pointed out that Europe has put aside centuries of conflict and formed a powerful union. In today’s world, ‘Balance of Payments’ and ‘Terms of Trade’ have replaced ‘Balance of Power’ in importance.

Pointing out that he has served as External Affairs Minister twice, President Mukherjee said he enjoyed leading the Ministry of External Affairs. MEA was perhaps his second love after the Finance Ministry, where he served for the longest period of time.

He has fond memories of his intellectual interaction with many Foreign Service Officers, for all of whom he has high regard.