(1st Photo, Usec. J. Eduardo Malaya (3rd from left), Amb. Ramon S. Bagatsing Jr., (5th from left) meet Dean Shri J. S. Mukul (4th from left) of Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service)
11 March 2020 – The Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Administration J. Eduardo Malaya and Ambassador Ramon S. Bagatsing, Jr., paid a visit to Dean Shri J. S. Mukul at Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS), India.
Dean Mukul discussed the history and functions of the SSIFS, which was established in 1986 by the Ministry of External Affairs to primarily cater to the professional training needs of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Officers inducted by Union Public System Commission (UPSC) annually. Dean J.S. Mukul briefly discussed the mandate of the institution underlining e.g. trainings provided for neophyte IFS officers, deployment of Diplomats to be posted in Indian Missions abroad. Dean Mukul also provided the Undersecretary a list of diplomats from the DFA who participated in their various trainings over the years, which the latter expressed appreciation for.
“Diplomats are made, not born and should be properly trained”, Dean Mukul stressed which is also anchored in philosophy of Government’s flagship programme “Skill India”. SSIFS also offers courses and programmes for Foreign Diplomats. Usec Malaya also inquired to the Dean about possible training opportunities for mid-level career officers. Dean Mukul and his staff were gracious enough to offer information in this regard.
As a token of gratitude, Usec. Malaya handed over three books to the Dean, 2 of which are authored by the very prolific Foreign Affairs Undersecretary.
Also in the meeting, were Special Assistant for the Undersecretary for Administration Andre Peter Estanislao, OUA, Third Secretary John Boitte C. Santos and Protocol Officer Saiden P. Esmael. End