11th Raisina Dialogue 2026 and India’s Emerging Role in the New World Order

Introduction

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi on 5 March 2026.The event witnessed participation from global leaders, diplomats, policymakers, military commanders, academics, industry leaders, and strategic experts from across the world.President of Finland Alexander Stubb delivered the keynote address and highlighted that the Global South will play a decisive role in shaping the next world order, with India emerging as a central actor.

ANALYSIS

Raisina Dialogue as India’s Strategic Platform

The Raisina Dialogue has evolved into India’s premier geopolitical and geo-economic platform for strategic discussions on:

• global governance,
• security,
• technology,
• trade,
• climate,
• and international cooperation.

The event reflects India’s growing diplomatic confidence and its aspiration to shape debates on emerging global challenges.The Dialogue also demonstrates India’s attempt to position itself as:

• a bridge between developed and developing countries,
• a voice of the Global South,
• and an important Indo-Pacific power.

Key Remarks by Finland President Alexander Stubb

President Alexander Stubb made several important observations regarding the changing global order.

Major Observations

Rise of the Global South

He stated that:

• the era of Western dominance is gradually declining,
• the Global South possesses demographic and economic strength,
• India will become a decisive factor in the future international order.

Shift in Global Power Balance

He highlighted that:

• global power structures are changing,
• multipolarity is increasing,
• traditional Western-centric systems are weakening.

Need for Rules-Based Order

President Stubb warned that:

• abandoning international rules and institutions could destabilise the world order,
• geopolitical power vacuums can create instability.

India’s Foreign Policy Approach

President Stubb praised India’s:

• pragmatic diplomacy,
• strategic autonomy,
• diversified partnerships.

He observed that India:

• does not rely excessively on any single power,
• follows a balanced and interest-based foreign policy,
• engages actively with multiple global actors simultaneously.

This reflects India’s policy of:

• multi-alignment,
• issue-based partnerships,
• and strategic flexibility.

India and the Global South

A major theme of the discussion was India’s role as a leading voice of the:Global SouthPresident Stubb argued that:

• representation of developing countries in global institutions must increase,
• voices of the Global South should be heard more strongly,
• India deserves a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.

The remarks align with India’s long-standing demand for:

• UN reforms,
• greater representation in global governance institutions,
• and democratisation of multilateral systems.

Technology, AI and Global Governance

The discussions also focused on:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI),
• emerging technologies,
• digital inequality,
• technology governance.

President Stubb stated that:

• AI should not widen the gap between developed and developing countries,
• technological benefits should be shared globally.

This reflects increasing concern regarding:

• digital divides,
• AI governance,
• and technological geopolitics.

Climate Change and Global Challenges

The Dialogue highlighted that:

• climate change,
• migration,
• economic disruptions,
• and geopolitical conflicts

require collective international responses.The event linked geopolitical stability with:

• sustainable development,
• climate resilience,
• and inclusive global cooperation.

Theme of Raisina Dialogue 2026

Theme:

“Saṁskāra – Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement”The concept of “Samskara” was described as:

• civilisational identity,
• adaptability,
• and continuous refinement.

The theme reflects:

• balancing national assertion with global cooperation,
• strategic accommodation amid competition,
• and advancement through innovation and dialogue.

Six Thematic Pillars of the Dialogue

The 2026 Dialogue organised discussions around six broad themes:

Expanding International Participation

The Dialogue witnessed participation from:

• representatives of 110 countries,
• ministers,
• former heads of state,
• military commanders,
• youth leaders,
• scholars,
• industry leaders.

Important delegations included representatives from:

• Bhutan
• Mauritius
• Seychelles
• Sri Lanka
• United States
• Finland

The participation underlines India’s expanding diplomatic outreach across the Indo-Pacific and Global South.

Comparison Between 10th Raisina Dialogue 2025 and 11th Raisina Dialogue 2026

Key Analytical Difference

UPSC Mains Value Addition

Raisina Dialogue 2025 Reflected:

• Climate diplomacy
• Digital governance
• Sustainable development
• India’s soft power diplomacy

Raisina Dialogue 2026 Reflected:

• Multipolar world order
• Strategic autonomy
• Global South leadership
• AI geopolitics
• Reform of global governance institutions

Necessary Static Part

Raisina Dialogue

Observer Research Foundation (ORF)

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

Global South

UN Security Council (UNSC)

Updated - 05 March 2026 ; 09:37 PM | News Source: News on Air, The Tribune, Firstpost