Naidu tells IFS officers to amplify PM Modi's vision

New Delhi: In a moral boosting move, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday urged the Indian diplomats to ensure 'effective diplomacy' in the context of the

multipolar and fast-changing order of international

relations to protect national interests.

During about half-an-hour interaction 41 officers of Indian Foreign Service (IFS) of 2017 batch on India and the World, Naidu urged the young diplomats to be alert and quick on the grasp to properly calibrate India's position in the multipolar and ever-changing world affairs.

The Vice President also told IFS officers, who would take up assignments in different

countries after training, to effectively leverage India's core civilisational values and ethos and modern strengths of democracy, economic and other capabilities for collective good.

"Pro-active and effective diplomacy for advancing national interests in the challenging global environment is the need of the hour," Naidu asserted.

Responding to queries from the young diplomats, Naidu acknowledged that for too long, the capacities of and opportunities offered by India have not been properly articulated in the leading and other centres of the world.

"Over the last four years, concerted efforts were being made to address the perception deficit and present India in right perspective across the world, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself leading the charge," he said, adding, "The Prime Minister is the number one Ambassador of India and you should supplement his efforts by amplifying his vision in different parts of the world".

Referring to the growing global interest in India, Naidu said, "Whatever happens in India these days attracts global interest as we seek to speak for our strengths, our aspirations and the role we can play in furtherance of peace and prosperity for all. You need not be on the defensive. Secularism and peace are in the DNA of our nation."

"We stand by the principle of one nation, one country and one people. Hold your head high and speak for the New India in the making.

Project India's role in today's world, commensurate with her economic power and its ambitions and aspirations within and outside the country," Naidu said.