Govt uses Net tools to debate foreign policy with the public

Indian foreign policy talks will no longer remain confined to the hallowed rooms of South Block, courtesy new internet tools. Digital diplomacy is fast becoming the buzzword with India expanding its footprints in several countries and opening new missions. The Public Diplomacy ( PD) division of the external affairs ministry is all set to launch an interactive and exhaustive website.

The key objective is the creation of a framework that would foster a more informed discourse on foreign policy issues. Sources said Indian diplomacy channels have been launched on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Blogspot as well. Navdeep Suri, joint secretary in charge of the PD division, said the initiative has started a country- wide debate on foreign policy matters, with comments pouring in from across India.

The Twitter account, launched on July 8, has been an instant success. And it is evident from this post. “ Perhaps for the first time, Twitter is having such an account from any government of India department.We the people feel honoured,” Kaushik Dutta, an insurance official, tweeted three days after the account was launched. It already has 2,600 followers.

Another interesting feature is the uploading of documentaries sponsored by the ministry on YouTube. Almost 21 such films have been uploaded. And a key film deals with India’s projects in restive Afghanistan. Suri said the new policy discussion website would be unique.

“ It will showcase development initiatives that India has undertaken across continents. The contributions — in article format — will be made by diplomats working in Indian missions. The initiative is the first- ofits- kind and will usher in a turnaround in public diplomacy,” he added.

The current external affairs ministry website hosts the profiles of countries with which India enjoys diplomatic ties and lists the bilateral pacts and visits undertaken. Sources believe foreign policy should no longer remain the exclusive domain of diplomats and officials.

It is necessary to involve the citizens, particularly the younger lot. And the way to reach out to the 18- 35 age group is social networking. Earlier, the ministry’s publicity division had organised foreign policy seminars in the city to take the policymaking process closer to the public.

Suri is at the helm of India’s changing public diplomacy style. A 1983- batch IFS officer, he has served in various capacities at India’s diplomatic missions in Egypt, Syria, the US, Tanzania, the UK and South Africa. The use of Facebook and Twitter for public diplomacy is not a new phenomenon.

The US and UK have even developed a code on the usage of these tools. The response from youngsters has been quite encouraging in these countries.