India hosted the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi, with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon as the Chief Guest.
- The dialogue focused on global geopolitics, geo-economics, and pressing issues like trade, digital sovereignty, and Indo-Pacific security.
What is the Raisina Dialogue?
- Launched in 2016 by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF).
- Named after Raisina Hills in New Delhi, where the Indian government’s key offices are located.
- India’s premier geopolitics and geo-economics conference, comparable to:
- Munich Security Conference (Germany)
- Shangri-La Dialogue (Singapore)
- Brings together:
- Global leaders, policymakers, academics, industry experts, and journalists.
- Platform to discuss global challenges and emerging trends.
Theme for Raisina Dialogue 2025: “Kālachakra – People, Peace, and Planet”
Key Takeaways from Raisina Dialogue 2025:
- Weaponisation of Trade & Economy:
- India’s EAM raised concerns over the weaponization of trade via tariffs, sanctions, and financial controls.
- Emphasis on the need for trust-based partnerships in global trade.
- India is re-evaluating trade partners for reliability, transparency, and strategic alignment—especially with the US, EU, and UK.
- Indo-Pacific Security Concerns:
- Quad leaders (US, Japan, Australia, India) expressed concerns about China’s assertive maritime presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- India’s commitment to maintaining the IOR as a peaceful, secure trade route, strengthening ties with small island nations and external partners.
- Philippines urged India to join the Squad alliance (US, Japan, Australia, Philippines) to counter China’s influence in the South China Sea.
- Digital Sovereignty:
- India’s cautious approach to data flow, AI development, and digital regulations amid global trade negotiations.
- Regulatory frameworks for big data and AI are now key components of India’s economic diplomacy.
Significance of Raisina Dialogue 2025:
- Global Diplomacy: Strengthens India’s role as a key player in shaping global geopolitical and economic norms.
- Strategic Partnerships: Enhances collaboration with Quad countries, small island nations, and global economic powers.
- Policy Influence: Provides a platform for India to voice concerns on global security, trade equity, and technology governance.
