New Delhi witnessed the arrival of Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister and Minister of Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, on Thursday, as he landed to participate in the prestigious Raisina Dialogue 2026. This high-profile event kicks off today, bringing together global leaders to deliberate on pressing geopolitical and geo-economic challenges.
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal extended a warm welcome on social media platform X, highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between India and Sri Lanka. ‘A hearty welcome to Sri Lanka’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, on his arrival in New Delhi for Raisina Dialogue 2026. India and Sri Lanka share a close and multifaceted partnership rooted in deep people-to-people ties,’ Jaiswal posted.
Now in its 11th edition, the Raisina Dialogue stands as India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics. Organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), this three-day conclave draws prime ministers, ministers, academics, industry leaders, and think tank experts from around the world.
Launched in 2016, the forum has evolved into India’s premier platform for discussions on international affairs. Over the years, it has hosted in-depth conversations on shifting geopolitical dynamics, climate concerns, technological disruptions, economic resilience, and the future of global governance frameworks.
This year’s theme, ‘Sanskār, Daavā, Taalmel, Taraqqi’ – translating to Heritage, Claims, Alignment, and Progress – captures the essence of today’s global flux. Organizers describe ‘Sanskār’ as the heritage of identity that helps civilizations understand who they are, embrace differences, and advance through reforms, setting a philosophical tone for the deliberations.
The event serves as a vital platform for debating and fostering cooperation on issues shaping the international order. Ahead of Herath, Seychelles Foreign Minister and Diaspora Minister Barry Faure arrived for the dialogue. Finland’s President Alexander Stubb, who reached New Delhi on Wednesday for an official visit, will be the chief guest. The United States will be represented by Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
As world leaders converge, the Raisina Dialogue 2026 promises insightful exchanges that could influence global strategies amid evolving challenges.