27-February-2024-Editorial

RAISINA DIALOGUE 2024

The 9th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, an annual conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, recently convened in New Delhi, attracting over 2,500 participants from approximately 115 countries.

The conference, structured along the lines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, focuses on addressing the world’s most challenging issues.

Hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, it involves stakeholders from political, business, media, and civil society backgrounds.

2024 Theme and Thematic Pillars:

• The theme for 2024 was “Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, Create.”
• Participants engaged in discussions around six thematic pillars, including Tech Frontiers, Peace with the Planet, War & Peace, Decolonising Multilateralism, The Post-2030 Agenda, and Defending Democracy.

Similar Dialogues around the World:

• The Raisina Dialogue is part of a global landscape of similar dialogues, such as the Munich Security Conference (MSC), Shangri-La Dialogue, and Oslo Freedom Forum, each addressing specific aspects of international relations, security, and human rights.

Key Takeaways of Raisina Dialogue 2024:

Geopolitical Shifts:

• Discussions centered around evolving power dynamics, particularly involving major players like the United States, China, Russia, and European nations.
• Adaptation strategies and alliances in response to new challenges and opportunities were explored.

India as a Bridging Power:

• India’s External Affairs Minister emphasized India’s role as a “bridging power,” pursuing a “multi-vector” policy to seek common ground globally.
• India positioned itself as a friend of the world, playing a vital role in international relations.

India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor:

• Greek Prime Minister highlighted the significance of connectivity projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
• Emphasis on fostering economic ties and trade agreements for mutual benefits.

Baltic-Nordic Forum:

• Diplomatic outreach to Central and Eastern Europe, involving Ministers of the Baltic-Nordic forum, aimed at establishing trade agreements and investment ties.
• Focus on exploring economic opportunities in a region often overlooked but economically competitive.

Global Conflicts:

• Intensive discussions on global conflicts, with European dignitaries shedding light on the Russian war in Ukraine.
• Panels on military and naval strategy addressed challenges related to an assertive China and the concept of “grey warfare.”
• European Ministers urged India to reconsider ties with Russia and advocate for Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Regional Security Concerns:

• The conference addressed regional security concerns, including those in the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and Eastern Europe.
• Strategies for conflict resolution, peace-building, and managing regional rivalries were explored.

Technology and Innovation:

• Significant emphasis on the role of technology and innovation in shaping geopolitics and global governance.
• Discussions covered topics like cybersecurity, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence, exploring their implications for national security and international relations.

Observer Research Foundation:

·      The Observer Research Foundation, an independent think tank based in New Delhi, plays a crucial role in India’s “intelligence diplomacy.”

·      With centers in Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, ORF contributes non-partisan, independent, and well-researched analyses to diverse decision-makers globally.

·      ORF aims to lead policy thinking, fostering a strong and prosperous India within an equitable global framework, and actively engages in shaping global debates.