President Ram Nath Kovind has said India is taking the lead on critical issues affecting global peace, security and progress, be it fighting terrorism or enhancing efforts to combat climate change. He was addressing the Officer-trainees of the Indian Foreign Service 2017 batch, who called on him at Rashtrapati Bhavan today.

Mr Kovind said, there is an international connect to every aspect of India’s growth and development, be it clean energy, Digital India, Skill India, Make in India, or building high-speed rail networks. He said, economic diplomacy is a priority for India.

The President said, the officers are joining the Indian Foreign Service at an exciting time. He expressed confidence that the officer-trainees will make the best of the opportunity. Mr Kovind said, the officers have to engage, contest and reconstruct global governance structures that adequately reflect and accommodate India’s interests.