RATIONALE: At the 4th India-ASEAN Summit held at Kuala Lumpur on December 13, 2005, the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh announced a training programme for diplomats from the ASEAN countries to be conducted in India. Therefore, the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service, in coordination with the ASEAN Secretariat evolved a programme called, “Special Course for ASEAN Diplomats”.
The first Special Course for ASEAN Diplomats was held at SSIFS from August 21 to September 22, 2006. Twenty four diplomats from ten ASEAN countries participated in the course. After the 6th India-ASEAN Summit in 2007, the training programme for ASEAN diplomats became an annual feature under the aegis of the India-ASEAN Cooperation Fund.
The course for ASEAN diplomats has now emerged as an important programme on SSIFS’s 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.
OBJECTIVES:
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
Diplomacy & International Issues
Skills Development Topics
Institutional Visits in Delhi
Besides lectures, and interactive sessions, the curriculum includes visits to various important cultural and historical sites in Delhi and institutions/establishments like Indian Council for Cultural Relations, national Museum, National Handicrafts Museum, Research and Information System, Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training Confederation of Indian Industry, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Hero Hoda, HCL etc.
Study Tour
India is a country of continental dimensions with its different people, innumerable languages and dialects as well as varied customs and traditions. One of the highlights of the course is he study tour to one or two centres of economic, industrial and cultural important outside Delhi to expose the participants to the diversity of the country and provide them an opportunity to see the country's achievements and capabilities in various fields of endeavour, In the last few courses, participants have visited various cities such as Agra, Goa, Bangalore, Hyderabad etc.
DURATION: One Month
ELIGIBILITY: Five diplomats from each ASEAN countries and 3 nominations from ASEAN secretariat.