EAM S. Jaishankar Mentors IFS Trainees, Engages Bhutanese Diplomats, and Reaffirms India’s Cultural and Development Partnership with Laos
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Tuesday held an interaction with Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Officer Trainees of the 2025 batch, alongside two visiting Bhutanese diplomats, underscoring India’s emphasis on professional excellence, diplomatic preparedness, and regional cooperation. The engagement formed part of the government’s ongoing efforts to equip young diplomats with the skills and perspective required to represent India effectively on the global stage.
During the interaction, Dr. Jaishankar drew from his extensive diplomatic experience to guide the officer trainees on the complexities of international relations, evolving geopolitical challenges, and the importance of professional conduct, adaptability, and strategic thinking in foreign service roles. The session served as an early orientation for the trainees as they prepare to embark on careers dedicated to diplomacy and public service.
Sharing his reflections on social media platform X, the External Affairs Minister said he was pleased to engage with the young officers and Bhutanese diplomats, noting that the discussion focused on building the right aptitude and mindset for diplomatic responsibilities. He also conveyed his best wishes to the trainees as they begin their journey in national service.
The presence of Bhutanese diplomats during the interaction highlighted India’s close ties with its immediate neighborhood and reinforced the spirit of regional cooperation and mutual learning in diplomatic training and engagement.
Jaishankar Conveys Golden Jubilee Greetings to Laos
In a separate diplomatic outreach, Dr. Jaishankar extended warm greetings to the Government and people of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of its National Day. In his message, he congratulated Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane and reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations grounded in shared civilizational and cultural linkages.
The External Affairs Minister emphasized that India remains dedicated to strengthening its historical and people-to-people bonds with Laos, which form a vital pillar of the broader India–ASEAN partnership.
Showcasing India’s Cultural Engagement in Laos
Highlighting India’s role in cultural preservation abroad, Dr. Jaishankar shared visuals of restoration and conservation work being undertaken at the Vat Phou World Heritage site in southern Laos. The project is being implemented by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which has been actively involved in conserving heritage sites linked to ancient civilizational exchanges between India and Southeast Asia.
The Vat Phou restoration initiative reflects India’s approach to cultural diplomacy, focusing not only on historical preservation but also on fostering long-term goodwill and shared cultural understanding with partner countries.
India-UN Development Fund Grant Strengthens Laos Partnership
Further reinforcing India’s development-oriented engagement with Laos, the External Affairs Minister highlighted a financial grant extended under the India-UN Development Partnership Fund. On February 28, 2025, India approved a grant of approximately USD 1 million for a key development project titled “Strengthening Large-Scale Food Fortification: The Case of Investing in Rice Fortification.”
The initiative aims to enhance nutritional security in Laos by supporting large-scale food fortification efforts, particularly focusing on rice, a staple food in the country. The project aligns with India’s broader vision of supporting sustainable development, health, and capacity-building initiatives in partner nations.
Comprehensive Diplomatic Outreach
Taken together, Dr. Jaishankar’s engagement with IFS trainees, interaction with Bhutanese diplomats, cultural initiatives in Laos, and development cooperation projects reflect India’s multi-dimensional diplomatic strategy. The approach combines human resource development, regional cooperation, cultural heritage preservation, and development partnership—key pillars of India’s growing global and regional diplomatic footprint.
