In a boost to Indo-Sri Lankan ties, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for the 11th Raisina Dialogue, slated to open amid high anticipation. Holding additional charges for foreign employment and tourism, Herath’s presence underscores the island nation’s keen interest in multilateral engagements.
A warm reception was extended via X by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, who celebrated the ‘close and multifaceted partnership’ between India and Sri Lanka, built on profound people-to-people linkages that continue to thrive.
Hosted by ORF alongside MEA, the Raisina Dialogue has solidified its status as India’s leading forum on geopolitics and geo-economics since 2016. This three-day event attracts an elite gathering of world leaders, policymakers, academics, industry heads, and think tank luminaries to dissect global challenges.
Past editions have delved into transformative themes: evolving power balances, environmental crises, digital transformations, economic adaptability, and reimagined global governance. The 2026 edition’s theme – ‘Sanskār, Daavā, Taalmel, Taraqqi’ – poignantly mirrors contemporary realities, advocating for heritage-driven identities, claim resolutions, harmonious alignments, and progressive growth.
Organizers elaborate that ‘Sanskār’ embodies the civilizational legacy enabling societies to affirm their essence, integrate variances, and progress through refinement – a core idea permeating this year’s agenda.
As a hub for collaborative debate on world-order influencers, the dialogue fosters actionable insights. Recent arrivals feature Seychelles’ Foreign Minister Barry Faure, Finland’s President Alexander Stubb (chief guest on a state visit), and the US’s Christopher Landau.
The convergence promises rigorous exchanges, potentially charting courses for international relations in an era of uncertainty and opportunity.