The eleventh edition of the Raisina Dialogue 2026, India’s leading conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, was inaugurated by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, along with Alexander Stubb, President of Finland. Opening the event, Samir Saran, President of the Observer Research Foundation, said the Dialogue has consistently focused on understanding present challenges to help shape the future. He noted that the 2026 theme, Samskara, reflects a world where nations are strengthening their identities, dialogue, and progress through refinement.

Sunjoy Joshi, Chairman of the Observer Research Foundation, observed that while many modern conflicts stem from longstanding impulses, their technological capabilities have evolved. Addressing these challenges, he said, will require new alliances, innovative intellectual cooperation, and forward-looking governance strategies.

In his keynote speech, President Alexander Stubb highlighted the complementary strengths of India and Finland. He pointed out that Finland has been ranked the world’s happiest country for nearly a decade, while India is widely regarded as one of the most optimistic nations. According to him, the future global order should build on this combination of happiness and optimism.

Stubb also remarked that the global balance of power is shifting, with the Global South gaining influence due to its demographic and economic strength, signaling the end of a Western-dominated era. He called for reforms in the United Nations Security Council, suggesting additional permanent seats for Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and strongly supported India’s bid for permanent membership. He further praised Prime Minister Modi’s initiatives to expand the reach of artificial intelligence across India and use technology to improve the lives of citizens.

Delivering the vote of thanks, S. Jaishankar commended the Dialogue for its openness, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere, expressing confidence that it will continue to explore new ideas, capabilities, and perspectives. The first day also featured curtain-raiser sessions with prominent international figures such as Christopher Landau, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Benedetta Berti, Rishi Bal, Sakshi Gupta, Erik Solheim, and Amitabh Kant.

All open sessions of the Raisina Dialogue are being streamed live on its official social media platforms and the Observer Research Foundation’s digital channels. Over the years, the Dialogue has grown into India’s premier global forum for discussions on geopolitics and geo-economics, hosted jointly by the Observer Research Foundation and the Ministry of External Affairs of India.