At the 4th India-ASEAN Summit held at Kuala Lumpur on 13 December 2005, the Prime Minister of India announced a training programme for diplomats from the ASEAN countries to be conducted in India. The Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service, in coordination with the ASEAN Secretariat, conceptualized a programme called, “Special Course for ASEAN Diplomats” and the first such course was held in 2006 with the participation of 24 diplomats from the ten ASEAN countries. Following the 6th India-ASEAN Summit in 2007, this training programme became an annual feature under the aegis of the India-ASEAN Cooperation Fund. From 2018 onwards, SSIFS has been fully funding the programme including bearing expenditure on travel of the diplomats, their boarding, lodging in New Delhi and local transportation.

The course for ASEAN diplomats has now emerged as an important programme on SSIFS’ calendar, especially in the context of our Dialogue Partnership with the ASEAN. Orienting the ASEAN diplomats and giving them proper understanding of India and its policies has become a vital ingredient for the success of India’s Dialogue Partnership with the ASEAN countries and dovetails with our Act East Policy.

Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD)

Objectives

• To promote a better understanding of India in the South East Asian region in the context of India’s “Look East Policy”
• To acquaint them about India’s history and Culture and its influence on South East Asia
• To make participants aware of India’s view on contemporary issues so they can analyze it in right perspective
• To sensitize and provide better understanding to the participants about critical international and regional issues, the region is confronting with
• To hone Diplomatic skills

Course Methodology

Adapted training approach for PCFD is traditional, relying on methods like lecture, group discussion, exercise, case studies, field visits and study tour.

Course Content

India-specific Topics

• India's Foreign Policy and relations with ASEAN countries, neighbours and great powers
• Indian Civilization and Culture
• Indian Economy
• Indian Political System
• Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation Programme
• Indian Film Industry
• Ayurveda System of medicine
• Yoga
• Relevance of Mahatma Gandhi in today's world

Diplomacy & International Issues

• Strategic Planning & long term analysis in foreign policy
• Development of strategic thought through ages
• International Law and Law of Treaties
• International Terrorism
• Human Rights
• Globalization
• UN and UN Reforms
• World Trade Organization
• Climate Change
• Regionalism / Trade Agreements
• Nuclear & Disarmament Issues (NPT/CTBT)
• Non-Traditional Security Threats
• Science, Space, Cyber, Maritime & Energy Security
• Peaceful settlement of disputes

Skills Development Topics

• Communication, presentation, negotiation & assertion skills
• Preparation of talking points / approach paper / record of discussions
• Protocol, etiquette, immunities & privileges
• Negotiating treaties
• Peace negotiations
• Media handling
• Multilateral diplomacy
• Public & cultural diplomacy
• Conflict resolution & crisis management
• Profile of successful diplomat

Institutional Visits

Visits to institutions such as Indian Council for Cultural Relations, National Museum, National Handicrafts Museum, Research and Information System, Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training, CII, FICCI, Hero Honda, HCL etc.

Study Tour

The course includes study tours to cities such as Agra, Goa, Bangalore, Hyderabad etc., to expose participants to India’s diversity and achievements.

Duration

One Month

Eligibility

Five diplomats from each ASEAN country and 3 nominations from ASEAN Secretariat