New Delhi, June 27: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar met officers from the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) 2010 batch currently participating in the Mid-Career Training Program-II (MCTP-II), underlining the importance of building a strong and future-ready foreign policy framework for India’s vision of Viksit Bharat.

The meeting reflects the government’s continued focus on strengthening diplomatic capabilities as India expands its role on the global stage. During the interaction, EAM Jaishankar meets IFS 2010 batch officers and encouraged them to prepare for greater responsibilities in the years ahead.

Sharing details of the interaction on social media platform X, Jaishankar expressed confidence in the officers’ ability to contribute meaningfully to India’s diplomatic objectives. He stated that as officers advance in their careers, their experience, capabilities, and judgment become increasingly important in shaping India’s foreign policy.

The meeting comes at a crucial time when India is actively engaging with major global powers, participating in multilateral forums, and expanding strategic partnerships across regions. As EAM Jaishankar meets IFS 2010 batch officers, the focus remained on equipping diplomats with the skills and knowledge needed to address emerging global challenges.

Preparing Diplomats for Viksit Bharat

During the interaction, EAM Jaishankar meets IFS 2010 batch participants and emphasized the significance of preparing a foreign policy aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat, a national goal aimed at transforming India into a developed nation by 2047.

The External Affairs Minister highlighted that diplomats play a critical role in advancing India’s economic, strategic, technological, and cultural interests worldwide. He stressed that India’s diplomatic community must be prepared to navigate a rapidly evolving global environment marked by geopolitical shifts, technological disruption, and emerging security challenges.

As EAM Jaishankar meets IFS 2010 batch, he also acknowledged the importance of leadership, strategic thinking, and informed decision-making in foreign service roles. These qualities, he noted, become increasingly valuable as officers move into senior positions within the diplomatic establishment.

Mid-Career Training Program-II Begins at SSIFS

The Mid-Career Training Program-II for IFS officers of the 2010 batch commenced at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS) on June 22, 2026. The program is designed to accelerate the transition of officers from functional specialists to strategic leaders capable of handling complex diplomatic responsibilities.

Before EAM Jaishankar meets IFS 2010 batch officers, participants began the training program with a call on Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. During the session, Misri encouraged officers to move beyond professional success and strive for significance through impactful public service.

The training initiative serves as an important milestone in the professional development of Indian diplomats, providing opportunities to refine judgment, broaden perspectives, and acquire advanced leadership skills.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri Stresses AI and Innovation

A key highlight of the program has been the emphasis on emerging technologies and innovation in diplomacy. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri underscored the need for continuous skill development, particularly in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

As EAM Jaishankar meets IFS 2010 batch officers and reinforces strategic priorities, the broader training framework also focuses on preparing diplomats for technology-driven global challenges. Misri highlighted that while AI offers significant opportunities, it must be balanced with security considerations and human judgment.

He further emphasized financial prudence, administrative diligence, effective communication, and alignment with national priorities as essential components of modern diplomacy.

According to SSIFS, the Foreign Secretary introduced a diplomatic framework built around three key pillars:

Creativity through Technology Diplomacy
Sustenance through Traditional Diplomacy
Reforms through Transformational Diplomacy

This approach aims to ensure that Indian diplomats remain adaptable and effective in a rapidly changing international environment.

Building Strategic Leaders for Global Challenges

The Mid-Career Training Program-II is specifically designed to help officers rethink assumptions, sharpen analytical skills, and develop strategic leadership capabilities. The program exposes participants to emerging foreign policy issues, domestic governance priorities, and modern management practices.

As EAM Jaishankar meets IFS 2010 batch, the significance of such initiatives becomes increasingly apparent. India today faces a dynamic geopolitical landscape involving evolving security concerns, technological competition, climate challenges, and economic realignments.

To address these complexities, diplomats require not only domain expertise but also strong leadership and decision-making abilities. The training program brings together scholars, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to facilitate deeper understanding of global and regional developments.

India’s Expanding Diplomatic Footprint

The interaction between Jaishankar and the IFS officers comes amid India’s growing influence in international affairs. Over the past decade, India has strengthened partnerships with major economies, expanded engagement with the Global South, and emerged as a key voice on issues ranging from climate action to digital governance.

As EAM Jaishankar meets IFS 2010 batch, the message is clear: India’s future diplomatic success depends on a highly skilled and forward-looking foreign service capable of advancing national interests in an increasingly interconnected world.

The officers participating in MCTP-II are expected to assume higher responsibilities in the coming years, making their training and professional development critical to India’s long-term foreign policy objectives.

Looking Ahead

The meeting between Jaishankar and the IFS 2010 batch underscores the government’s commitment to nurturing diplomatic talent and strengthening institutional capacity. Through initiatives like MCTP-II, India aims to create a new generation of strategic leaders equipped to manage global challenges while promoting the country’s vision of Viksit Bharat.

As EAM Jaishankar meets IFS 2010 batch officers and encourages them to prepare for greater responsibilities, the focus remains on innovation, leadership, and diplomacy that supports India’s aspirations as a leading global power.