Why in news?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo‑economics. The three‑day event, co‑hosted by the Observer Research Foundation and the Ministry of External Affairs, brings together leaders, policymakers and scholars from around the world to discuss pressing global issues. Finland’s President Alexander Stubb delivered the keynote address.
Background
Established in 2016, the Raisina Dialogue is modelled on forums like the Munich Security Conference and Singapore’s Shangri‑La Dialogue. It aims to foster open discussions on international affairs by involving government officials, business leaders, media professionals and academics. The conference takes its name from Raisina Hill, the seat of India’s government in New Delhi. It has grown into one of Asia’s premier strategic dialogues.
The 2026 edition, themed “Saṁskāra – Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement,” explores how societies adapt and assert themselves amid changing geopolitical realities. More than 2,700 participants from over 110 countries are expected to take part in sessions organised under six thematic pillars: contested frontiers; repairing the global commons; pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals; managing climate, conflict and crises; shaping a technology‑driven future; and trade in an era of tariffs.
Key highlights
- In his keynote speech, Finland’s President Alexander Stubb emphasised India’s role in shaping a multipolar world and highlighted the importance of Europe‑India cooperation on security and climate change.
- Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s commitment to a rules‑based international order and called for collective action to address global challenges.
- Panels and side events will address topics ranging from cybersecurity and artificial intelligence to maritime security in the Indo‑Pacific.
- The conference provides networking opportunities for emerging leaders and scholars through programmes such as the Young Fellows scheme.
Sources: News On Air