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 her relations with Neighbours/With ASEAN countries/With 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/Regional Trade Agreements
• Nuclear & Disarmament Issues (NPT/CTBT)
• Non-Traditional Security Threats
• Science, Space, Cyber, Maritime & Energy Security
• Peaceful settlement of disputes

Skills Development Topics

• Module on Communication, Presentation, Negotiation & Assertion Skills
• Preparation of talking points / approach paper / record of discussions
• Protocol, Diplomatic Etiquette, Immunities & Privileges
• Negotiating treaties
• How to Conduct Peace Negotiations
• Handling Media
• Multilateral Diplomacy
• Public & Cultural Diplomacy
• Conflict Resolution : A South Asian Perspective
• Crisis Management
• Profile of successful diplomat

Institutional Visits

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 country and 3 nominations from ASEAN Secretariat