Lecture by Ambassador at the  Kazakh Diplomatic Club, Astana 

 7 October 2025

Forging Bonds in a Complex World: Reflections on my Diplomatic Journey

Chairman Diplomatic club Astana, Your Excellencies, Distinguished Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Assalaam valaikum, Good evening, Namaste and  Salemetsiz be,

It is a profound honor to stand before you today in this beautiful city of Astana the capital of Kazakhstan and deliver this lecture as part of the Diplomatic School program organized by the Diplomatic Club, Astana, which brings together minds from diverse backgrounds to engage in dialogue, share experiences, and explore the many dimensions of diplomacy and international relations. I would like to thank the Astana Diplomatic club for the gracious invitation and the opportunity to speak before the future leaders and policy makers of this proud nation.

I bring with me warm greetings from the people of India and all my colleagues at the Embassy of India in Astana.

Particularly for me, it's a very, esteemed and privileged occupation to represent my country i,e India. I can proudly say that I represent the interest of 1.4 billion Indians. With such a huge responsibilities this profession has taken me to different places in diplomatic postings, where you immerse yourself in new cultures, learn new languages, explore the history, and engage with the host country’s intelligentsia on plethora of issues, not just limited to international relations. Today’s occasion is a similar in this aspect, as you are here to listen to me and I am here to learn from you. Such opportunities are rare in most professions. But with rare opportunities also comes unseen and unheard challenges.

Kazakhstan uniquely sits at the geographic and cultural crossroads of Europe and Asia, blending diverse traditions and histories. Its location on ancient trade routes like the Silk Road has fostered a rich tapestry of influences, contributing to its modern identity as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious state.  As a diplomat from India, representing a civilization I feel a deep sense of connection standing here today. Our collaboration in various fileds including energy, trade, and at the multilateral forums reflects diplomacy’s at work to turn the challenges into shared victories. As a diplomat, I am committed to deepening this bond. 

International relations has always been, and will continue to be, a cornerstone of global engagement, shaping the lives of people across the nations. Its relevance is only set to grow in the years ahead. Traditionally, diplomacy was focused on management of bilateral relations, resolution of conflicts, promotion of peace, while safeguarding your national interests remained the paramount objective. However, in today’s interdependent and interconnected world, new challenges such as climate change, terrorism, pandemics, migration, and cybersecurity that transcends national boundaries, demands quick  collaborative responses which required diplomatic engagements among states and organisations, making the diplomacy even more complex. Therefore modern diplomacy is not limited to just promoting bilateral relations or multilateral political engagements, it encompasses many other established and evolving dimensions. Today, we speak not only of political diplomacy but also of economic diplomacy, tech diplomacy, vaccine diplomacy, sports diplomacy and increasingly, digital diplomacy. Days are not far, when we may even see the rise of AI diplomacy. In fact, it has already started. This year, France hosted the first AI Summit, and notably India will be hosting the next AI Summit in 2026.

So, to whom exactly can we call a diplomat? I think that there is no single definition. Diplomats may be referred to as envoy, ambassador representing a sovereign state or an intergovernmental body, like the United Nations, SCO, CICA etc, whose main mandate are to  resolve differences and build consensus in a tactful way, negotiate agreements in favor of his/her own country. However, one definition by Sir Henry Wotton, a 17th century diplomat may be of your particular interest as he humorously defined that, «An ambassador is an honest man sent abroad to lie for the good of his country». But today, as I mentioned the world is interconnected, transparency is a better tool than secrecy for a diplomat due to the fact that today information is available at the click of a button to anybody.  

In other words, I would like to say that each one of us is a diplomat. Every day, in our own families, workplaces, and our societies, we balance our own interests with those of others. We negotiate unspoken & unwritten agreements, resolve differences, and seek harmony, sometimes without surrendering and sometimes compromising what we valued. So I think that somewhere you would agree with me when I say that the art of living well & peaceful life is the art of diplomacy. As per Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the Missile Man of India, and the beloved former President of India once said, “Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world.” It resonates with what I said that the smallest circles of diplomacy within our hearts and homes are the seeds from which global peace can grow. This can be the most abstract form to explain what diplomacy is, and who the diplomats are.

What other tools than transparency should a diplomat further possess? Diplomacy is art of expressing difficult things in a mutually understandable and acceptable way. In diplomacy, there is no stopping of dialogue, no closure of communications. You just keep talking, keep negotiating until final mutual agreements  or mutual disagreements are found, which is to say that the two parties have « agreed or agreed to disagreed». So in diplomacy perseverence and resilience are Non-Negotiable character. In any bilateral or multilateral negotiations setbacks are inevitable. Negotiations could stall, crises may erupt, misunderstandings arises but at the same time, diplomacy demands the resilience to persevere, (means having the strength and ability to bounce back from difficulties and continue to work hard and stay committed to the goal despite obstrucles or setbacks)  adapt, and find new paths forward, often away from the spotlight especially, when differences seem insurmountable. 

Modern diplomacy demands actions and proposals that are transparent and persuasive, creating a genuine sense of a win-win outcome for all parties. But to master the skill of persuasion, modern diplomats need to have the required expertise to be able to convince others to walk a shared path. Especially when the interests are at divergence, finding a common path is the true measure of diplomatic success. But let me tell you that finding a win-win situation is easier said than done. I may mention here that whenever, there is a huge divergence in view and opinions between two parties, finding any areas of complementarities goes a long way in bridging the gap and bring agreement or agreeing to disagree. For example India and Kazakhstan complement each other in the enery sector and also share an interest to stable central asia including Afghanistan as well as connecting resorce-rich central asian countries to the India ocean. 

So by chooing & entering into this field, you are choosing not just a profession but a fascinating journey that bridges cultures, builds understanding, and fosters cooperation. As elaborated above, during this complex journey one is required to learn a diverse skill set, such as the art of communication, negotiations and problem-solving abilities. Exchange of views or communication is key for mutual understanding. Understanding Precedes Solution for any issue. We cannot resolve what we do not comprehend. This demands deep cultural immersion, historical context, and a genuine effort to see the world through the other's eyes – even when perspectives clash. Furthermore, adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and a deep understanding of one's own country and the host nation are the crucial virtues of a good diplomat. Winning hearts and maintaining trust is one of the most dependable currency in the business of diplomacy. Agreements signed between the parties are only as strong as the trust underpinning them. This trust is built slowly, through consistent actions, confidentiality, and integrity. It is our most precious asset but it can easily be lost and it can be regained if at all painstakingly.

My journey as a diplomat beggun from the historic landscapes of Iran and has taken me—to the dynamic cities of the UAE, the diplomatic corridors of the Netherlands, to the vibrant cultures of Myanmar and to one of the world's cradles of ancient civilization, China, as well as to the scenic coasts of Côte d'Ivoire—before bringing me here to the heart of Central Asia. So, I will try to share a brief accounts of my experiences in various capitals rather than bombarding you with theorotical knowledge which you can and may have read in the books.   Each assignment has been a facinating and a masterclass in the art of diplomacy. These postings taught me that diplomacy is not merely a profession; it is a vocation built on the relentless pursuit of understanding, a quiet cultivation of trust, and the unwavering belief in dialogue. It demands the delicate balance of advancing national interests while fostering mutual understanding. It is these experiences that I wish to reflect upon today.

My diplomatic tapestry and lessons learned from diverse threads commenced in Iran a country with history of millennia civilisation with complex geopolitics. Iranian diplomacy is often characterized by nuance, a sophisticated approach that involves subtle indirectness and manoeuvre with cultural context. This style, sometimes is referred to as taarof, which reflects a historical and cultural emphasis on politeness, indirect communication, and a cautious approach to expressing intentions. Say conveying approval or disapproval is done by lovingly reciting a peotry.  For example «Gul poshtu ru nadoreh», is to say that flowers do not have back or front and the meaning it conveyed is in agreement, that there is no problem, everything is good. Understanding this nuance is crucial for effective communication and successful negotiations with Iranian counterparts. So one learned the critical importance of nuance, patience, and respecting deep-seated cultural narratives. Diplomacy here demanded listening far more than speaking. 

In the United Arab Emirates I witnessed how visionary leadership transformed the desert into a global hub of inovations and prosperous societies. This remarkable progress is powered by the transformative vision and ambition of the its founders and subsequent rulers. UAE taught me the importance  of economic diplomacy, leveraging economic strengths to attracts foreign talents as well as prioritizing open trade agreements over protectionism.  UAE despite being a relatively small nation leverages its strategic location, strong economy and proactive diplomacy to exert influence far beyond its size, demonstrates how diplomacy thrieves under visionary leadership.

In the Netherlands, a bastion of multilateralism and international law, reinforced the enduring value of rules-based order and coalition-building. The Netherlands has a strong diplomatic reputation due to its consistent commitment to cooperation, its proactive role in European integration, and its focus on multilateralism and international law. It highlighted how smaller nations, through principle and persistence, can shape global discourse. I saw diplomacy as the glue binding diverse nations. 

My tenure in Myanmar (Burma) was during one of the most interesting period of their modern democractic history. After decades of military and closed regime the country suddenly opened up on all fronts with serious economic and political reforms including the most sensitive issue which had plagued the country since its independence from January 1948 i,e, peace talks with all the ethnic armed groups. It was a rare in  moments in any nations history that economic and political reforms were under taken at the same time. Myanmar (Burma) presented the profound challenges of navigating the transition through the reforms. The country taught me the diplomatic art of balancing principle with pragmatism, understanding the delicate interplay between hope, fear, and the long road to stability.

China one of the cradles of ancient civilisation and now a global force, underscored the significance of strategic patience, managing competition while meticulously working to innovate and seek cooperation for mutual benefit. It emphasized that strong diplomacy requires both strength and subtlety. Let me give you a quote from Chinese Paramount leader Deng Xioping who said “Keep a cool head and maintain a low profile. Never take the lead – but aim to do something big.” China taught me the centrality art of stretegic patience, the art of networking and trust-building, which the chinese called as Gaunxi’. Guanxi, means relationships or connections and is a crucial element in Chinese culture and diplomacy. In Chinese culture and way of life, guanxi is more than just networking; it's about cultivating deep, reciprocal relationships where individuals can rely on each other for support and favors. Guanxi plays a significant role in navigating social and business landscapes domestically as well. It's a system of informal networks and reciprocal obligations that shapes decision-making and fosters trust, playing a significant role in China's foreign policy and its approach to international relations.

In Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), amidst post-conflict recovery process and reforms could witnessed the vibrant West African spirit, I saw diplomacy's humanitarian face in this country from diplomats of all major countries as well as international aid agencies and organisations. It was about building resilience, fostering reconciliation, and connecting development directly to people's lives. Côte d'Ivoire reinforced the role of diplomacy in stability and development. 

Now, in Kazakhstan—a nation at the crossroads of Eurasia—I see a modern exemplar of diplomacy’s with great potential to bridge traditions and progress. Under the wise leadership of President HE Kassym Jomart Tokayev Kazakhstan has seen significant progress in various sectors over the past few years, including economic growth, social development, and international recognition in promoting global peace including its efforts for nuclear non-proliferation. 

Esteemed colleagues, your country is uniquely positioned to bridge divides and foster connections between different regions and geopolitical blocs, East and West, North and South both economically and culturally. President Tokayev’s vision to build Kazakhstan as an economic hub has been driving regional integration, attracting global investment through foresight and stability, and Kazakhstan is boldly charting a course towards a diversified, sustainable future while honoring your rich nomadic heritage. As I said earlier Kazakhstan is an examplar, its diplomacy operates on multiple levels simultaneously that transcends traditional East-West, North-South divisions with a focus on multilateralism, dialogue, and shared interests. So to say balancing major powers, fostering regional cohesion within Central Asia, and engaging dynamically with the global South. Your experience resonates deeply with India's own journey of navigating a complex world while pursuing transformative national goals.

Coming to bilateral relations between India and Kazakhstan, it is beyond doubt that we have a long-standing relationship. India-Kazakhstan share a relationship that is as old as history itself. The cultural and civilizational links between our people goes back to centuries through the exchanges of scholars, traders and ideas along the silk road. Ours is a friendship not newly born but constantly renewed, evolving into a modern strategic partnership marked by diplomatic relations, economic cooperation, and defense ties. Modern diplomatic ties were established in 1992, with both countries opening embassies in each other's capitals. 

There have been multiple bilateral visits at the highest level since the independence of Kazakhstan. In June 2025, India hosted the Foreign Ministers of  all the five Central Asian nations for the 4th India Central Asia Dialogue and the fifth Indian Central Asia Business Council Meeting in New Delhi. Last year, we had over 146,000 tourists from India to Kazakhstan. We have 16 direct flights between India and Kazakhstan and it provides multiple opportunities to develop people to people ties. 

Kazakhstan is bless with rich deposits of natural resources like oil & gas, strategic minerals including rare earths. All the minerals in the periodic table are present here in Kazakhstan, which many countries are looking for, and India is one of them. Though our bilateral trade figures are below our potential, constant efforts are being made under current existing frameworks and new initiatives to take it to newer heights. 

Naturally if diplomacy is about bilateral relations between two nations then for the relations to be strengthened,  there has to be strong people to people ties.  Cultural diplomacy and ultimately soft power plays an important role in developing strong relationship. We have a bust of the Great Indian Leader, Mahatma Gandhi in Astana, who has been accepted as a global citizen for his teachings on peace and non-violence. During my past months, I have seen profound love for Bollywood in Kazakhstan. People till date sing and dance on the great Indian songs such as disco dancer and jimmy jimmy. Notable we also have a bust of Great Kazakh poet Abai Kunanbaev and a road named after him in New Delhi known as “Abai Marg” reflecting on strong India Kazakhstan mutual cultural respect. Notably Kazakhstan celebrated the 180 anniversary of the great poet Abai in 2025. Cultural diplomacy is incomplete without the mentioning the IDY 2025, whose 11th edition was celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour across 24 cities of Kazakhstan. This is another aspect to show the diversity in diplomatic duties.

Therefore my friends, as we navigate an increasingly turbulent world, the role of diplomats and institutions like yours becomes ever more vital. The challenges are formidable, geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, the climate crisis, technological disruption. But it is important that we don’t loose hope. To the young aspirant diplomats here today, you are the future stewards of our interconnected world. Carry forward the torch of dialogue, even when divisions seem insurmountable. Remember, many a times the smallest gestures a word in the local language, a shared meal often achieve what rounds of formal negotiations could not achieved.

My diplomatic journey and experiences reaffirmed one core belief that Diplomacy, in its true essence, is the art of building hope. Hope for peaceful resolution, hope for mutual understanding, hope for a better future of our peoples. Kazakhstan, under your skilled stewardship, embodies this hope. Let us continue this noble endeavor together, drawing strength from our diverse experiences, guided by wisdom and fortified by the unshakeable conviction that dialogue and understanding will always be the most powerful forces we possess. So diplomacy, thrives on intellect, honor, and the unwavering belief that no bridge is too far to build. 

I thank you all for your attention and for joining me in this exchange of ideas. I thank the organisers for giving me an opportunity to present my perspectives and understanding about diplomacy. Let's make a resolute commitment to be diplomats who strives to find peace inside himself/herself, around one self, in the nation and in the world. I would like end my speech remembering Abai’s words as a respect for him on his 180th birth anniversary:

 «Білім үлкен байлық, бірлік асыл қазына, татулық ең асыл өнер»

(Bilim Ulkien Bailakh, Birlik assyl Khazyna, Tatulakh yeng asil oner). which means

Knowledge is the greatest wealth, unity is a precious treasure, and harmony is the supreme art.

As a diplomat, if you are striving to bring harmony in the world infested with wars & conflicts, it is the greatest art and the greatest service to the mankind to find peace.

Khop Rahmet  and Dhanyawaad

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