External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met colleagues from the Indian Foreign Service 2010 batch undergoing the Mid-Career Training Program-II (MCTP-II) on June 26, 2026, in New Delhi. He underscored the importance of preparing a foreign policy for Viksit Bharat, a vision for a developed India.
Key Highlights of the Meeting
In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "Delighted to meet colleagues from the Indian Foreign Service 2010 batch undergoing Mid-Career Training Program-II. Underscored the importance of preparing a foreign policy for Viksit Bharat. As they assume greater responsibilities in service, their experience, capabilities and judgements become all the more important. Wish them all the best in the years ahead."
Training Program Commencement
The MCTP-II for IFS Officers of the 2010 batch commenced at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS) on June 22, 2026. The program began with a call on Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri, who emphasized the journey from success to significance.
In a post on X, SSIFS said, "Mid-Career Training Program-II for IFS Officers of 2010 Batch commenced at SSIFS today, on 22 June 2026. The program began with the call on Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri, where he emphasized the journey from success to significance."
Focus on Skill-Building and AI
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri underscored the need for skill-building, including in artificial intelligence (AI), while safeguarding security and human judgment. He also highlighted the importance of financial and administrative diligence, alignment with national priorities, and the role of effective communication in diplomacy.
According to SSIFS, "FS underscored the need for skill-building, including in AI, while safeguarding security and human judgment. FS also highlighted the importance of financial and administrative diligence, alignment with national priorities, and the role of effective communication in Diplomacy. In a way he guided the officers with the trinity of Creativity through Technology Diplomacy, Sustenance through Traditional Diplomacy, and Reforms through Transformational Diplomacy."
Program Objectives and Structure
MCTP Phase-II accelerates the transition of an officer from a functional specialist to a strategic leader. It prompts officers to rethink their most basic assumptions, facilitates them to refine their judgment, and provides an opportunity to enhance their skill sets.
The program addresses core needs of catching up with emerging foreign policy issues by providing domain specialization, exposure to domestic issues of relevance, and modern management tools for developing leadership skills. It brings together scholars, researchers, and practitioners to assess the role of global, regional, and national actors in addressing issues of global significance and to critically analyze the expected roles of officers who are shortly going to assume higher responsibilities.
