LUCKNOW, Nov. 2 -- In one of the first-of-its-kind visits by trainee foreign diplomats to Uttar Pradesh, a 45-member delegation of diplomats from 21 nations across Central and South America and the Caribbean visited Lucknow on Saturday to explore investment opportunities and experience Uttar Pradesh's vibrant culture. The visit is part of their training programme under the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS), government of India. The Invest UP, the state's investment promotion and facilitation agency, coordinated and facilitated the visit. The three-day visit, from October 31 to November 2, aims to showcase the state's industrial growth and educational excellence. The delegation was accompanied by Anita Shukla, joint secretary (MEA), and Ritika Sharma, faculty (SSIFS). On Saturday, the diplomats visited the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Lucknow, where they interacted with staff and students. Discussions there focused on student exchange programmes and the integration of emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence into academic curricula. Prof Sanjay K Singh, dean (programmes), welcomed the delegation and Prof Madhumita Chakraborty, chairperson, management development programme, presented mementos. Later, they visited Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) where they explored potential collaborations in technical education and research. Vice-chancellor Prof JP Pandey and registrar Reena Singh interacted with the delegation. The itinerary also included a visit to the HCL IT City, where the delegation witnessed the state's expanding digital and IT ecosystem employing over 11,000 professionals. They explored opportunities for cooperation in technology and digital innovation. The diplomats also experienced the state's cultural grandeur through a Kathak dance performance and a traditional Awadhi culinary at a city hotel....