New Delhi: The capital city played host to the landmark 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue 2025, India’s foremost annual conference on geopolitics and geo-economics. Jointly organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, the prestigious event was held from March 17 to 19, 2025, at the iconic Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi’s diplomatic enclave.
Drawing an impressive gathering of over 3,500 delegates from 125 countries — including ministers, heads of state, business leaders, military commanders, academics, and youth representatives — the Raisina Dialogue 2025 once again cemented its stature as a premier global forum for shaping critical international discourse.
Raisina Dialogue 2025 Theme: “Kālachakra – People, Peace and Planet”
The central theme of Raisina Dialogue 2025, “Kālachakra – People, Peace and Planet”, symbolized the intricate interconnection between humanity, peace-building, and the pressing need for environmental preservation. The term Kālachakra, drawn from ancient Indian philosophy, reflects the cyclical nature of time and existence — a fitting metaphor for the evolving global order.
This year, the discussions revolved around six meticulously designed thematic pillars:
- Politics Interrupted: Shifting Sands and Rising Tides
- Resolving the Green Trilemma: Who, Where, & How
- Digital Planet: Agents, Agencies, and Absences
- Militant Mercantilism: Trade, Supply Chains & Exchange Rate Addiction
- The Tiger’s Tale: Rewriting Development with a New Plan
- Investing in Peace: Drivers, Institutions, & Leadership
Each pillar addressed contemporary challenges from power shifts, climate change, digital sovereignty, and economic nationalism to development narratives and peace-building.
Inauguration and Chief Guest
The Raisina Dialogue 2025 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, further enhancing the event’s stature. The conference featured New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, as the Chief Guest, underlining the growing diplomatic and economic ties between India and New Zealand.
Prime Minister Luxon delivered the keynote address, stressing the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing climate change, regional stability, and the global digital economy. His presence also highlighted ongoing negotiations for a potential India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Noteworthy Participation and Global Representation
With representation from 125 countries, the dialogue attracted ministers, former heads of state, military commanders, business magnates, journalists, think tanks, and academic scholars. The unprecedented scale, crossing 3,500 participants, reinforced Raisina Dialogue’s emergence as a global powerhouse comparable to the Munich Security Conference and the Shangri-La Dialogue.
The expansive participation provided diverse perspectives, enriching discussions on global challenges, regional conflicts, and future opportunities for collaboration.
Key Highlights and Major Discussions
1. Weaponization of Trade and Economy
India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) raised significant concerns about the growing weaponization of trade tools — including tariffs, sanctions, and financial restrictions. The EAM called for trust-based partnerships while re-evaluating global trade alignments based on reliability, transparency, and strategic interests.
With negotiations ongoing with the United States, European Union, and the United Kingdom, India stressed the need for resilient and fair trade ecosystems, free from coercive measures.
2. Indo-Pacific and Maritime Security Concerns
A focal point of the dialogue was the rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, specifically addressing China’s aggressive maritime posturing in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
India underscored its commitment to maintaining the IOR as a peaceful, stable trade corridor, emphasizing partnerships with small island nations and strategic allies.
In a significant development, the Philippines urged India to consider joining the “Squad” alliance — comprising the US, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines — aimed at countering China’s growing influence in the South China Sea.
3. Digital Sovereignty and Data Regulations
As the digital realm reshapes global economies, India voiced its concerns on data sovereignty, AI governance, and digital regulation frameworks. With data flows becoming a new frontier of economic diplomacy, India advocated for regulatory mechanisms that safeguard national interests while promoting innovation.
The emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data regulation reflects India’s proactive approach to future-proof its digital economy and secure its cyberspace.
4. Climate Change and the Green Trilemma
The “Resolving the Green Trilemma” pillar focused on balancing environmental sustainability with economic growth and equitable resource distribution.
Participants debated:
- Who should bear the greatest responsibility?
- Where is the climate impact the most severe?
- How can global economies collaborate to mitigate damage?
This dialogue reinforced India’s push for climate justice and its leadership in renewable energy initiatives.
5. Rewriting Development Narratives – The Tiger’s Tale
Emerging economies, especially from the Global South, featured prominently in discussions under “The Tiger’s Tale”. This pillar advocated for rewriting development narratives — promoting inclusive global partnerships, sustainable growth models, and innovative governance structures.
India showcased its own development journey as a model of balancing rapid economic progress with social welfare and environmental priorities.
6. Investing in Peace and Security
The final pillar highlighted the importance of global peacebuilding, conflict resolution mechanisms, and leadership roles. With growing threats from non-state actors, cyber warfare, and technological disruptions, the dialogue stressed the urgent need for collective security frameworks.
Emerging technologies and AI’s role in warfare were discussed, with global leaders calling for responsible innovation and cooperation to prevent misuse.
A Decadal Milestone: Raisina Dialogue’s Growing Influence
The 10th anniversary of the Raisina Dialogue was not just a celebration but a testimony to its meteoric rise as a global strategic forum.
Launched in 2016, the Raisina Dialogue has become central to India’s foreign policy toolkit, offering a platform that bridges geopolitical divides and fosters cross-regional, cross-sector engagement.
By hosting global powerhouses, thought leaders, and change-makers, the 2025 edition proved India’s intent to shape the global narrative on diplomacy, economy, and security.
The Significance of New Zealand’s Participation
The presence of New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, as the Chief Guest highlighted the strategic deepening of ties between the two nations.
- The dialogue coincided with active India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, enhancing economic prospects.
- New Zealand’s participation symbolized growing Indo-Pacific cooperation and support for multilateralism.
Luxon’s keynote address emphasized the need for equitable trade, climate action, and a stable digital future, echoing India’s global stance.
Global Headlines: Topics That Dominated Raisina Dialogue 2025
- US President Donald Trump’s foreign policy shifts, especially on trade tariffs and Ukraine war implications, were hotly debated.
- The Russia-Ukraine conflict remained a dominant theme, with intense discussions on its impact on global geopolitics.
- Notably absent were leaders from West Asia and Southeast Asia, raising questions about regional representation and strategic alignments.
- Speculations around Pakistan’s absence further fueled debate over strained Indo-Pak relations.
Global Streaming and Digital Outreach
For the first time, Raisina Dialogue 2025 was streamed live across major digital platforms, extending its reach to millions of viewers worldwide. This move reinforced India’s commitment to transparency and inclusive dialogue while positioning the event as a truly global conversation.
Conclusion: Raisina Dialogue 2025 Sets the Stage for Global Cooperation
The Raisina Dialogue 2025 reaffirmed India’s growing clout as a diplomatic powerhouse and an agenda-setter in global geopolitics and economics. By bringing together a diverse spectrum of leaders, thinkers, and innovators, the dialogue:
- Facilitated policy shaping
- Strengthened multilateralism
- Reinforced India’s role in addressing global challenges
With its expansive themes, high-profile participation, and strategic dialogues, Raisina Dialogue 2025 concluded with renewed calls for cooperation, peace, and sustainable development — charting a path for global governance in the years ahead.
FAQs
1. What is the Raisina Dialogue 2025 and why is it significant?
The Raisina Dialogue 2025 is the 10th edition of India’s flagship global conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Held in New Delhi, it brings together world leaders, policymakers, business executives, academics, and military officials to deliberate on global challenges and opportunities. Its significance lies in shaping international policies and strengthening India’s diplomatic influence.
2. What was the theme of the Raisina Dialogue 2025?
The central theme of Raisina Dialogue 2025 was “Kālachakra – People, Peace and Planet”, focusing on the interconnectedness of humanity, the necessity of global peace, and the urgent need for environmental sustainability. The discussions revolved around six thematic pillars addressing geopolitics, trade, digital sovereignty, climate change, development, and global peace.
3. Who was the Chief Guest at the Raisina Dialogue 2025?
New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, was the Chief Guest at Raisina Dialogue 2025. He delivered the keynote address during the inaugural session, highlighting the growing strategic and economic ties between India and New Zealand, especially amid ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
4. What were the key topics discussed at Raisina Dialogue 2025?
Some of the major topics at Raisina Dialogue 2025 included:
• Peace-building and security cooperation in a changing world
• Weaponization of trade and economic coercion
• Indo-Pacific maritime security and China’s growing influence
• Digital sovereignty, AI regulation, and data governance
• Climate change and balancing economic growth with sustainability
• Global South’s role in rewriting development narratives
5. How many countries participated in Raisina Dialogue 2025, and where was it held?
Raisina Dialogue 2025 saw participation from over 125 countries, drawing more than 3,500 delegates including top global leaders and experts. The event was held at the Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi, within the city’s diplomatic enclave, and was also streamed globally to reach wider audiences.
