Raisina Dialogue stands as India’s premier platform for discussing the world’s most pressing geopolitical and geo-economic challenges. This year, the eleventh edition of the conference is currently underway in New Delhi from March 5 to March 7, 2026. Each edition revolves around a specific theme. The theme for Raisina Dialogue 2026 is “Saṁskāra: Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement,” which explores how nations navigate sovereignty and cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event, highlighting India’s growing role as a “bridge nation” between the developed world and the Global South.
The ongoing Raisina Dialogue has attracted over 2,700 participants from 110 countries. Global leaders, military commanders, and technology experts have gathered to debate the future of artificial intelligence, maritime security, and supply chain resilience. One of the most notable speakers this year is the Chief Guest, Finland’s President Alexander Stubb. In his keynote address, he emphasised that the era of Western-dominated world orders is ending. He also made a strong case for India to have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Additionally, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau shared insights on American foreign policy, noting that a trade deal between India and the U.S. is near completion.
High-Profile Speakers at Raisina Dialogue 2026
The Raisina Dialogue 2026 features a diverse lineup of influential voices from around the world. These speakers are addressing the “technopolar” world where control over semiconductors and AI determines global power.
- Alexander Stubb (President of Finland): He called for a “new San Francisco moment” to reform global governance and praised India’s optimism.
- Christopher Landau (US Deputy Secretary of State): He discussed the importance of national interests and strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.
- Dr S. Jaishankar (India’s External Affairs Minister): He highlighted the forum’s unique ability to foster open and diverse conversations on new global capabilities.
- Foreign Ministers from Bhutan, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka: These leaders are participating to strengthen regional ties and discuss maritime security in the Indian Ocean.
Understanding the Essence of the Raisina Dialogue
Many people ask, What is the Raisina Dialogue? It is a multilateral conference hosted annually by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with India’s Ministry of External Affairs. It serves as a space where stakeholders from various sectors can engage in cross-sectoral discussions. This forum is often compared to the Munich Security Conference due to its significant influence on global policy.
Why was it named?
The conference is named after Raisina Hill, which is the heart of India’s government in New Delhi. This area houses the Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President’s residence) and the offices of the Prime Minister. By using this name, the event underscores its identity as an Indian initiative with a global reach. It signifies that the conversations held here are central to India’s strategic vision.
What is the purpose of the Raisina Dialogue?
The primary purpose of the Raisina Dialogue is to explore opportunities for Asian integration and to better connect Asia with the rest of the world. Its primary purpose is to serve as a major multilateral platform that convenes global leaders, policymakers, heads of state/government, cabinet ministers, academics, industry experts, journalists, military officials, and other thought leaders to discuss and debate the most pressing and challenging issues facing the international community and the global order.
It aims to provide a platform for diverse and even conflicting viewpoints to meet and find common ground. Furthermore, it seeks to address challenges like climate change, cyber threats, and economic inequality. Finally, by bringing together leaders from over 100 Raisina Dialogue countries, the forum helps build long-term intellectual networks.
History and Achievements of the Raisina Dialogue
The History of the Raisina Dialogue began in 2016. It has been held annually in New Delhi since 2016, organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). It was launched with the goal of ensuring that the “Asian Century” was not just a phrase but a reality supported by strong diplomatic engagement. Since its inception, the dialogue has grown from a small gathering into a global powerhouse of ideas.
When did the Raisina Dialogue start?
The first edition was held from March 1 to 3, 2016, with the theme “Asia: Regional and Global Connectivity.” Since then, it has been held every year in New Delhi. Furthermore, each year features a new theme that reflects the shifting realities of international relations. Above all, over the decade, it has evolved to include more voices from Africa, Latin America, and the youth.
Summary from the previous years
Here is a summary table detailing the evolution of the Raisina Dialogue over the years. This table highlights how the Raisina Dialogue has consistently addressed the most pressing global issues while achieving its goal of establishing India as a central hub for international diplomacy.
| Year | Theme of Raisina Dialogue | Major Goals Achieved |
| 2016 | Asia: Regional and Global Connectivity | Successfully launched India’s first major global flagship conference on geopolitics. |
| 2017 | The New Normal: Multilateralism with Multipolarity | Established the forum as a platform for diverse voices beyond traditional Western perspectives. |
| 2018 | Managing Disruptive Transitions: Ideas, Institutions and Idioms | Focused on the shift in global power dynamics and the role of emerging digital economies. |
| 2019 | A World Reorder: New Geometries; Fluid Partnerships; Uncertain Outcomes | Strengthened partnerships within the Indo-Pacific region and addressed maritime security. |
| 2020 | 21@20: Navigating the Alpha Century | Created a roadmap for global cooperation in a decade defined by rapid technological change. |
| 2021 | #ViralWorld: Outbreaks, Outliers and Out of Control | Successfully transitioned to a hybrid format during the pandemic to maintain global diplomatic dialogue. |
| 2022 | Terra Nova: Impassioned, Impatient, and Imperilled | Heightened global focus on climate action, energy transitions, and resilient supply chains. |
| 2023 | Provocation, Uncertainty, Turbulence: Lighthouse in the Tempest? | Solidified India’s position as a “Lighthouse” for the Global South during times of conflict. |
| 2024 | Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, Create | Encouraged major world powers to find cooperative solutions despite increasing global competition. |
| 2025 | Navigating the New Frontier: Innovation and Inclusion | Integrated AI ethics and digital public infrastructure into the core of global policy debates. |
| 2026 | Saṁskāra: Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement | Achieved record participation from over 110 Raisina Dialogue countries to discuss global reforms. |
The Impact of this Dialogue Over Time
The History of the Raisina Dialogue shows a steady climb toward global influence. In the early years, the goal was simply to create a space for Indian perspectives. However, as the Raisina Dialogue grew, it began to shape actual policy outcomes.
One major achievement is the consistent inclusion of the “Global South.” This has ensured that the concerns of developing nations are heard by the world’s most powerful leaders. Furthermore, the Raisina Dialogue has successfully bridged the gap between government officials and private sector innovators. This collaboration is essential for solving modern problems like cybersecurity and green energy.
The Raisina Dialogue 2026 continues this legacy by fostering “Accommodation.” Altogether, this means helping nations with different ideologies find ways to work together toward a stable future. Above all, each year, the forum demonstrates that it has achieved its goal of making New Delhi a vital destination for world leaders.
Did the Raisina Dialogue achieve the desired goal?
Many analysts believe that the Raisina Dialogue has successfully achieved its desired goals. It has established India as a major “convening power” in global diplomacy. The forum has successfully brought together leaders from rival nations, such as the US, China, and Russia, to debate under one roof. Moreover, it has helped move the global conversation away from traditional Western power centres toward emerging economies. Furthermore, the high level of participation in 2026 proves that it remains a vital tool for shaping the future international order.
Over the years, it has grown into one of the world’s most prominent gatherings of its kind, comparable to forums like Davos or Munich Security Conference, but with a strong emphasis on India’s perspective and inclusive, non-aligned approach to global challenges.