New Delhi: Enhance India`s prestige and honour in foreign countries through dedicated service, President Pranab Mukherjee told a group of 34 Indian Foreign Service (IFS) probationers who called on him at Rashtrapati Bhawan Wednesday.
According to a statement issued here, the President also asked them to train themselves in economic diplomacy and issues like energy security and food security.
India`s foreign policy, he said, must constantly adapt to the changing world.
"The world is undergoing major change. Global economy is still fragile and yet to recover from the financial crisis. There have been major political changes in West Asia, Africa and India`s neighbourhood. The job and responsibilities entrusted upon young foreign service officers is daunting but they would have an opportunity to show their mettle and initiative," said the president.
According to the president, though there was reason for concern over the slowdown in the Indian economy, there was no cause for despondency.
"The Indian economy achieved 7.9 percent growth in the last 10 years, which is much higher than any 10-year period since 1951," he said.
Noting "the world recognises the fact that bulk of global growth is coming from emerging economies, especially China and India," he said "India has an important place today in all major international fora like G-20".
IANS
