Kautilya's Arthashastra, an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy, indeed places a significant emphasis on ethics in public service, albeit from a pragmatic and utilitarian perspective aimed at ensuring the stability and prosperity of the state. For Kautilya, the primary goal of governance was the welfare of the people (Praja Sukhe Sukham), and ethical conduct by public servants was seen as indispensable for achieving this. He believed that a corrupt or inefficient administration would inevitably lead to public discontent and the downfall of the ruler.

Kautilya outlined several ethical principles and mechanisms to ensure integrity in administration. He stressed the importance of honesty, impartiality, diligence, and loyalty among government officials. He advocated for a merit-based selection process for civil servants, emphasizing their character and competence. To prevent corruption, he suggested regular transfers of officials, strict supervision, and a system of rewards for honest service and severe punishments for misconduct, including embezzlement and dereliction of duty. He even detailed various forms of corruption and methods to detect them.

Furthermore, Kautilya highlighted the need for officials to be accessible to the public and responsive to their grievances. He believed that the king's success depended on the well-being of his subjects, and therefore, public servants were expected to act as custodians of public trust. While his approach was rooted in realpolitik, the underlying concern for ethical governance was not merely idealistic but a practical necessity for effective administration and the longevity of the state. Thus, the statement holds true in the sense that ethical conduct, though often enforced through a system of incentives and deterrents, was central to Kautilya's vision of a well-governed state and efficient public service.