Modi Inaugurates Raisina Dialogue 2026 as Global Leaders Gather in New Delhi

New Delhi, March 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday attended the inaugural session of the 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, marking the beginning of one of India’s most prominent global forums on geopolitics and geo-economics. The three-day conference, scheduled from March 5 to March 7, has brought together world leaders, policymakers, diplomats, scholars, and strategic experts to deliberate on pressing international challenges.

The keynote address at the inaugural session was delivered by Alexander Stubb, who is attending the conference as the Chief Guest. In his address, President Stubb touched upon a range of global issues, including geopolitical tensions, economic cooperation, technological transformations, and the importance of strengthening multilateral institutions.

After attending the session, Prime Minister Modi shared his thoughts on social media platform X, highlighting the significance of the discussions held during the event. “Attended the Inaugural Session of the #RaisinaDialogue2026. Heard the insightful address of President Alexander Stubb of Finland, in which he covered a wide range of subjects,” the Prime Minister wrote, acknowledging the Finnish President’s comprehensive remarks on global developments.

The Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship conference on global strategic affairs, has over the years emerged as a major international platform for dialogue on geopolitical and economic issues affecting the global order. Organised annually in New Delhi, the forum brings together representatives from governments, academia, media, industry, and civil society to exchange ideas and perspectives on global governance and security.

This year’s edition of the conference is themed “Samskara — Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement,” reflecting the evolving nature of global diplomacy and the need for nations to balance strategic interests with cooperation and development. The theme underscores the importance of adapting to emerging challenges while fostering dialogue and collaboration in an increasingly complex international environment.

The 2026 edition of the dialogue is witnessing participation from representatives of more than 110 countries. Delegates include ministers, former heads of state and government, members of parliament, military commanders, business leaders, technology experts, academics, journalists, and policy analysts. The broad participation highlights the growing importance of the Raisina Dialogue as a global platform for strategic conversations.

Several high-level dignitaries from across the world have arrived in India to participate in the conference. Among them is Barry Faure, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of Seychelles. Welcoming him on his arrival, the spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, noted that India and Seychelles share a robust and multifaceted partnership. The visit, he said, is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

Another key participant at the event is Dhananjay Ramful, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of Mauritius. Officials emphasised that India and Mauritius maintain a long-standing relationship rooted in shared cultural heritage, historical ties, and strong people-to-people connections.

Similarly, Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Malta, has also arrived in New Delhi to participate in the conference. India and Malta enjoy cordial and friendly relations, strengthened by growing cooperation and strong community links.

The dialogue is also being attended by DN Dhungyel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Bhutan. Officials from the Indian government have noted that the India-Bhutan partnership is built on deep mutual trust, goodwill, and long-standing diplomatic cooperation.

Over the next three days, the Raisina Dialogue will host numerous panel discussions, keynote speeches, and strategic sessions addressing a wide spectrum of issues such as global security, emerging technologies, climate change, economic resilience, and the evolving global order.

Since its inception, the conference has steadily grown in stature and influence, becoming one of the most important international gatherings focused on strategic affairs. With the participation of leaders and experts from across the globe, the Raisina Dialogue 2026 is expected to provide a significant platform for shaping conversations on the future of global governance and international cooperation.