Raisina Dialogue: Reflecting India’s Unique Viewpoints On Global Affairs
New Delhi, 9th August 2023: Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra has informed a Parliamentary committee that the Raisina Dialogue has ascended to a position of paramount importance among global think tank events worldwide. He attributed this transformation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the event in 2016.
Kwatra emphasized that the Raisina Dialogue has evolved into a preeminent international conference, drawing prominent global thinkers and opinion-makers. He highlighted its firm establishment in the international calendar, drawing experts and leaders from across the world. Kwatra’s remarks were included in Tuesday’s committee’s report tabled in Parliament.
The annual Raisina Dialogue, initiated by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in 2015, serves as a significant platform for discourse. Kwatra noted that the collaboration between ORF and the government stems from the fact that ORF invites political leaders, fostering synergy between the two entities.
The Foreign Secretary underscored that the turning point for the Raisina Dialogue was Prime Minister Modi’s participation in 2016. Following this, the event’s framework and significance profoundly shifted. Kwatra reminisced about the humble beginnings in 2015, when the event hosted merely a hundred attendees. He contrasted this with its current stature as a cornerstone of global think tank discussions.
Kwatra elucidated that the Raisina Dialogue now enjoys widespread recognition and support, with sponsors vying for involvement. This stark transformation reflects its evolution from seeking sponsors to becoming a sought-after platform for dialogue. He emphasized the conscious decision to make the Raisina Dialogue a global benchmark for Indian perspectives, reflecting the country’s unique viewpoints on global affairs.
The Foreign Secretary highlighted the creation of India-centric thinking and think tanks since 2014, which has led to India-centric conferences like the Raisina Dialogue. Kwatra intended to promote and share Indian viewpoints with the world through this platform.
The Raisina Dialogue’s significant growth was evident in its latest iteration held in March, where it welcomed high-level participants, including the Prime Minister of Italy and over 30 foreign ministers from various countries. Kwatra detailed the diverse range of topics addressed during the event, spanning approximately 40 to 50 domains over 48 hours. He also noted the unique “Kahwa” session, a popular post-dinner discussion held until late at night.
In addition to the Raisina Dialogue, the foreign ministry supports four other flagship annual conferences in partnership with various organizations, including the Asia Economic Dialogue, Global Technology Summit, and Indian Ocean Conference.
