Published: 4 March 2026ORF / MEA / DD News / ANIInternational
11th Raisina Dialogue 2026 Opens in New Delhi; Theme 'Saṁskāra' Focuses on Geopolitics, AI, and Indo-Pacific
The 11th Raisina Dialogue commenced in New Delhi on March 5–7, 2026, co-organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The theme for 2026 is 'Saṁskāra: Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement' — drawing from the Sanskrit concept of civilisational identity that enables nations to assert who they are, accommodate differences, and advance through refinement.
The three-day conference brought together heads of state, foreign ministers, defence chiefs, business executives, and leading academics from over 100 countries to deliberate on pressing global challenges. Key sessions focused on deterrence in the Taiwan Strait, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as a multimodal connectivity initiative, India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) model for developing nations, AI governance and semiconductor supply chain security, and climate geopolitics.
A landmark initiative launched at the dialogue was the Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI), aimed at integrating technological innovation with global foreign policy — with a focus on strategic autonomy and governance challenges posed by disruptive technologies. India's hosting of this premier geopolitical conference reinforces its role as a pivotal power in a multipolar world order, with direct relevance for Rajasthan in terms of India's engagement with Gulf countries on energy transition and diaspora policy.
Mains angle
Q: Evaluate the significance of the 11th Raisina Dialogue (March 5-7, 2026) in projecting India's role in a multipolar world order, focusing on IMEC connectivity, AI governance, and the Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative.
Answer (50 words):
The 11th Raisina Dialogue, convened in New Delhi 5-7 March 2026 by ORF and MEA under the theme 'Saṁskāra', drew over 100 countries to deliberate IMEC connectivity, AI governance, semiconductor supply chains, and climate geopolitics. It launched the Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative, integrating India's DPI model for the Global South.
6-axis classification
CoverageInternationalSubjectInternationalExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourceORF / MEA / DD News / ANI
Practice MCQ from this story
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Linked questionMedium
When was the 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue held in New Delhi in 2026?
Explanation · Correct answer AThe Ministry of External Affairs announced that the 11th Raisina Dialogue would be held in New Delhi from 5 to 7 March 2026. Therefore, the opening date was 5 March 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Raisina Dialogue and who organises it?
The Raisina Dialogue is India's flagship annual multilateral conference on geopolitics and geo-economics. It has been held every year since 2016 in New Delhi. The event is jointly organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) — a leading Indian think tank — and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of the Government of India.
What was the theme of the 11th Raisina Dialogue 2026 and what does it mean?
The theme of the 11th Raisina Dialogue (March 5–7, 2026) was 'Saṁskāra', a Sanskrit term meaning refinement, transformation, or the impressions that shape character and civilisation. The theme reflected India's civilisational perspective on global governance, diplomacy, and the transformation of international order in a multipolar world.
What is the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) and why was it a key agenda item at Raisina 2026?
IMEC is a proposed multimodal connectivity corridor announced at the G20 New Delhi Summit in September 2023. It aims to connect India to Europe via the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Israel — combining sea, rail, and road links. IMEC is strategically significant as an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It was a key agenda at Raisina 2026 given evolving West Asia geopolitics and the corridor's progress since the G20 announcement.
What is the Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI) launched in 2026?
The Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI) is a new platform launched at the 11th Raisina Dialogue to institutionalise the use of science, technology, and innovation as tools of international diplomacy. It aims to facilitate multilateral cooperation on frontier technologies — including AI, space, and biotech — as areas of both opportunity and geopolitical competition.
Why is AI governance a central topic at forums like the Raisina Dialogue 2026?
AI governance has become a central global policy issue because artificial intelligence poses both transformative opportunities and risks — including autonomous weapons, algorithmic bias, disinformation, and economic disruption. Countries and multilateral bodies are debating regulatory frameworks, data sovereignty, and ethical standards. India's position at Raisina 2026 emphasised inclusive AI governance that represents the interests of the Global South, not just Western tech powers.
