The Human Resource Development Cell, SRCC, had the absolute honour and privilege to host Mr. Upendra Singh Rawat, Ambassador of India to Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua. He has worked in the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi and Embassies of India/High Commission of India in Mexico City, Bratislava, Buenos Aires, and London for over 15 years.
Mr. Upendra Singh Rawat commenced the session on “Representing India” by talking about the fact that we live in a time of rapid advancements in society. He had prepared his presentation for all of the attendees. He talked about what it means to represent one’s country. The ambassador has to promote the interests and concerns of the sending state and also promote the foreign policy of the country as well. In this era the concept is not limited to bilateral diplomacy but has now extended to multilateral diplomacy. This age of social media has in turn enhanced diplomacy in many ways. He also informed the procedure of recruitment in the IFS and the opportunities available in them. The attendees also got to learn about CB Muthamma who was the first woman to join the IFS in 1949. Then moving on to the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations he talked about the various functions of diplomatic nations.
Preparation is the most important topic in international relations especially when one is preparing for high level visits. Protocols have to be followed strictly. Diplomatic immunity by international law was also discussed and the various points of views related to it. Then, the activities of the ambassadors of diplomatic nations were explained.
He also talked about how the routine of an ambassador actually looks, ranging from discussions, promotions and meetings, report preparations and how they work smoothly. One of the important elements is participation in the events with the local government and the people in general. He also recounted an incident when he was in Mexico three years ago.
He also shared an anecdote when he was in Panama just before the pandemic where he hosted a Holi party for the Panamanians. This highlighted how small local relationships help in improving the relations between two countries.
He concluded his presentation by listing down the general qualities required for being a diplomat. Some of them being, adaptability, language skills, policies of their own country, enthusiastic to receive all kinds of information, and synchronisation of the interests of two countries has to be prioritised, how they should keep working in the background, emotional strength, social media skills, interest in country’s history, ethical behaviour and most importantly they should never let their country down.
Post the presentation, the floor was open for questions. These were related to UPSC exams and IFS, the criteria for eligibility and how they should prepare for them, and also about the responsibility that comes along with being an ambassador, and how did IIT shape his personality. Sir answered all the questions with a great deal of information and patience. He cleared everyone’s doubts.
After all the questions the session commenced with a vote of thanks to Sir for such an enriching and fruitful session. His detailed presentation and beautiful anecdotes left all the attendees inspired and in awe.