And for a Friday in Chennai, returning from Delhi after the farewell for the German Ambassador….. some thoughts…..
Dr.Martin Ney, after his extended term as German Ambassador to India has to move to his next posting. But we surely will miss Martin and his charming, Gracious wife Gaby. Been such good friends. Their stay in India has made remarkable impact in further improving Indo German relations, getting a much better appreciation of the Indian viewpoints in Germany, supporting India not only on Economy and Technology but also Germany moving the UN resolution against the Pakistan Terrorist outfits. Such an all round personality….. a Musician, Historian, Sailor, Career Diplomat and most importantly a humane concerned Gentleman. Good luck and God Bless.
Diplomacy and role of Embassies have changed substantially. There are so many lessons to learn from successful International Embassies and Diplomats like Dr. Ney. India has one of the lowest number of career diplomats operating across the Globe – a total of 2700 members of which only 770 are from the IFS (Indian Foreign Service) and the rest 1930 come from other cadres. Stenographers and clerks promotees, and political minions who are time scale promoted and posted abroad. Mostly our Consulates and Embassies role abroad is to pander to Politicians and Babus visiting from Delhi. They have very insignificant Commercial, Technological or Economic impact on host country or policies for India’s growth opportunities. We need to revamp all our Embassies for a far greater role in Export Promotion, technology upgradation, job markets and services Industry opportunities. Our millennials need easy access to international jobs.
India has great Potential. We have to grow at 8% every year. We need more visionary career Diplomats. Lets build a New India, the Transparent way, the Diplomatic way, the SEEGOS way.