The flagship Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD), held twice a year in spring and autumn, is of four weeks’ duration and has 50 diplomats represented from 50 different countries.  The 1st PCFD was held in 1992 and so far, 71 editions of this Programme have been held.

RATIONALE: One of the core principles of India’s Foreign Policy has been to work towards building a peaceful, secure and stable world, particularly through forging mutually beneficial relationships with developing countries. Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD) affirms the commitment of India to its friendly countries in sharing the knowledge and expertise acquired in the field of diplomats’ training.

OBJECTIVES:

• To initiate mutual cooperation and understanding and forge a common bond among the diplomats of the participating countries.
• To sensitize and provide better understanding to the participants about critical international and regional issues, world is confronting with.
• To acquaint the participants with political, economic, social and cultural realities those sway the foreign relations.
• To acquaint them about India’s history and Culture.
• To make participants aware of India’s view on contemporary issues so they can analyze it in right perspective.
• 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
• India's Relations with Neighbours/Important Countries of the Region/World
• India's Nuclear Policy / Indo-US Nuclear Deal
• Indian Civilization/Culture
• Indian Political System
• Indian Economy
• Indian Diaspora
• Indian Film Industry
• Ayurveda
• Relevance of mahatma Gandhi in Today's World
• India's Emergence as a Global Power
• Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation Programme
• Structure of Ministry of External Affairs

Diplomacy & International Issues

• Strategic Planning & Long Term Analysis in Foreign Policy
• Development of Strategic Thought through the Ages
• Law of Treaties
• Major Countries / Regions viz. China, USA, Russia, Europe, Africa, ASEAN/Far East, Middle East, Latin America
• NATO: Post Cold-War Relevance
• International Terrorism
• Human Rights
• International Law
• Globalization
• UN/UN Reforms
• World Trade Organization
• Climate Change
• Global Economic & Trade Issues
• Regionalism/Regional Trade Agreements
• G-20
• Nuclear & Disarmament Issues, NPT/CTBT
• Non-Traditional Security Threats
• Science & Technology
• Space Security
• Cyber Security
• Maritime Security
• Energy Security
• Global Security Concerns
• Pacific Settlement of Disputes

Skills Development Topics

• Module on Communication, Presentation, Negotiation & Assertion Skills
• Preparation of Talking Points/Approach Paper/Record of Discussions etc.
• 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 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 centers 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 Goa, Thiruvandnthapuram (Trivandrum), Bangalore, Hyderabad etc, in the western and southern parts of India. A sight-seeing visit to Agra is organized over one of the weekends,. Agra, with its magnificent fort and the world famous Taj Mahal provides an opportunity to see the celebrated Mughal style of architecture

DURATION: Two Weeks

ELIGIBILITY: Young diplomats with 3 years of working experience from friendly countries.

Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats (Course Wise)