In a first, foreign envoys virtually present credentials to President

President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday (May 21) accepted the credentials from ambassadors and high commissioners of seven nations through video conferencing, in a first such diplomatic exercise via the virtual mode.

The seven nations were the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Senegal, Trinidad and Tobago, Mauritius, Australia, Cote d’Ivoire and Rwanda. Foreign envoys are required to present their credentials to the head of state that authorises their appointment as diplomats or representatives of their respective countries.

“This was the first time in the history of Rashtrapati Bhavan that credentials were presented through the digital medium,” an official statement said. Addressing the envoys, Kovind said the COVID-19 pandemic posed an unprecedented challenge to the global community and the crisis called for greater global cooperation.

He pointed out that India has been in the forefront of extending support to fellow nations in fighting the pandemic, a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan said. The president said digital technology has enabled the world to overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19 and carry out its functions in an innovative manner.

In this regard, he called the digitally-enabled credentials ceremony a special day in India’s engagement with the diplomatic community in New Delhi, the statement said.

Kovind further noted that India remains committed to harnessing the limitless possibilities of the digital pathway for the advancement of its people and the world at large. “Today’s event has added a new dimension to India’s digital diplomacy initiatives,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)