UK and India announce joint Commonwealth Diplomatic Academy

Foreign Ministers of the UK and India have today announced the establishment of a joint India-UK Commonwealth Diplomatic Academy programme.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said:

In an increasingly geopolitical world, we must champion the Commonwealth values of democracy and sovereignty. The UK and India are helping to build a modern Commonwealth fit for the 21st century and delivering tangible benefits for its members.

That’s why we are working together on a new Commonwealth Diplomatic Academy programme, which will equip young diplomats with expertise and training they will need to tackle the global challenges we face.

Graduates from the programme will play a crucial role in delivering a rejuvenated Commonwealth united in support of self-determination.

Joint statement by the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, the RT Hon Elizabeth Truss MP, and External Affairs Minister of India, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on the establishment of an India-UK Commonwealth Diplomatic Academy programme:

Reflecting their shared commitment to the Commonwealth, Foreign Secretary Truss and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar met in Kigali this week and welcomed a successful Commonwealth Heads of Government summit.

Foreign Secretary Truss and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar underlined the value they place on a strong and revitalised Commonwealth family, fit for the 21st century and delivering clear value and tangible benefits for all members.

Both Ministers are pleased to announce that a joint India-UK Commonwealth Diplomatic Academy programme is to be hosted in New Delhi, India. The Academy programme will equip young diplomats from all Commonwealth Member States with expertise and training on global challenges.

They underlined the UK and India’s commitment to delivering a truly connected, innovative and transformative future for the Commonwealth family which supports the needs and expectations of all Member States.