Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dinner-time speaking is a hazardous venture at the best of times. My task this evening is rendered relatively easier only because I know that my audience tonight comprises fellow practitioners of this art and will, therefore, appreciate my predicament! But let me say, first of all, how pleased I am to be here this evening, among so many familiar faces, so many old friends. When one is in such a gathering, there is the unmistakable comfort and warmth of being amongst close members of a family. And when all is said and done, when the long debates about international diplomatic matters are settled, it is this spirit that remains important and gives the strength that can sustain an association like this one.

One of the clearest manifestations of this strength is the role that this Association has already been playing in ensuring continuity in foreign policy thought and practice, from the past to the present, and on to the future. The multidimensional activities of so many of the association's members - be they in the form of writings, participation in media debates, seminars and so on - have added a certain gravitas to the public debate on foreign policy matters. The value of this contribution is immense.

I do not need to detail to this gathering in what manner India's engagement with the world is different today than it was six decades ago when we gained independence. Many of you were personally involved on a day-to-day basis in the expression of India’s traditional role as a leader of the developing world, as a champion of nonalignment and in the erstwhile struggle for decolonization, freedom and equality. Many of you were also involved in the transformation that was required to give our role a contemporary hue and to add the economic and strategic muscle that has marked the coming of age of India. The confidence and enthusiasm that is so evident in our international engagement today is based not on any abstruse concept, but on real achievements. The sustained high levels of economic growth, the phenomenal achievements of our industry, particularly the knowledge industry and the strategic leaps in the nuclear and space fields are only some of the major reasons. They have been accompanied by a determined effort to improve relations with all the major powers simultaneously. We have moved quickly to try and achieve a peaceful extended neighbourhood with which we can engage intensively for the benefit of the people of the entire region. And we have also reached out to give depth to our relations with regions as far flung as Latin America, Africa and East Asia.

It is axiomatic that the challenges that India's foreign office faces today are different from those that we faced in the past, and the challenges of tomorrow will be different still. India's envoys abroad today represent a different India. It is an India that may not have yet solved all its problems, but is still resurgent and confident. It is an India that is no longer satisfied with being a spectator in any arena. It is an India willing to be heard with a voice that can make a difference to any outcome. And, as home to one sixth of the world's population, it is an India that has not only a vital stake in the future of the world - whether we view this future in political, economic or even environmental or energy terms - but also the wherewithal to play a decisive role in shaping this future.It is axiomatic that the challenges that India's foreign office faces today are different from those that we faced in the past, and the challenges of tomorrow will be different still. India's envoys abroad today represent a different India. It is an India that may not have yet solved all its problems, but is still resurgent and confident. It is an India that is no longer satisfied with being a spectator in any arena. It is an India willing to be heard with a voice that can make a difference to any outcome. And, as home to one sixth of the world's population, it is an India that has not only a vital stake in the future of the world - whether we view this future in political, economic or even environmental or energy terms - but also the wherewithal to play a decisive role in shaping this future.

This transformation of India's stature and role in the international system also imposes the corresponding necessity to transform our diplomacy, and indeed its most vital ingredient, our diplomats. India's envoys today represent a country which is perhaps sui generis in the manner in which its democratic institutions have handled a billion strong population of different faiths, ethnicities and languages. We are headed to become the third largest economy in the world and are fast becoming as attractive an investment destination as we have been a tourist destination. In terms of perception, too, India’s image indicators are changing to that of a country that is both demographically young as well as the spearhead of the knowledge and IT revolutions. These are the images – and not the tiger, the maharaja, the rope trick or begging bowl images – that our envoys will meet abroad, images that they have to sustain and promote. India's diplomats therefore have to bring a multidimensional skill-set to the table. They must not only be astute thinkers and negotiators but also hard-headed managers and savvy communicators. They should be equally at home dealing not only with politicians and other diplomats, but also with economists, CEOs and television journalists.

But as the next generation of diplomats develops new skills and new ways of thinking and working, ways dictated both by evolving objectives as well as a fast changing technological work environment, it is important that they be fully steeped in the traditions of our foreign policy. The contemporary cutting edge will derive strength only from the idealistic framework. Historical linkages are the keystones of bilateral relations between countries. Institutional and personal networks are critical channels of diplomatic discourse. That is where the Association of Indian Diplomats can continue to play the crucial role it has been already playing in not only utilizing the past but also shaping the future dimensions of our foreign policy. A close and continuous interaction between the Association and the foreign office is in my view mandatory and must be encouraged in any manner that we can. I would look forward to receiving from the Association ideas on how this interaction can be structured so that today’s diplomats can make the best use of the institutional wealth that the collective experience of those present here tonight represents.

With these words, I would like to wish all members of the Association good health and productive work. I thank you for inviting me here tonight and giving me a patient hearing.

Thank You.

  

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