New Delhi witnessed dynamic diplomatic engagements on Friday as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held key meetings with his counterparts from Mauritius and Bhutan during the Raisina Dialogue 2026. This flagship event on India’s geopolitical and geo-economic landscape kicked off on Thursday, organized by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs.
In a significant interaction, Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to deepening the unique partnership with Bhutan. Meeting Bhutanese Foreign Minister Lyonpo DN Dhungyel, he emphasized bilateral ties that have stood the test of time. ‘Delighted to meet Bhutan FM Lyonpo DN Dhungyel at Raisina Dialogue 2026. Reiterated our commitment to deepening our special partnership,’ Jaishankar posted on X, underscoring the warmth and strategic depth of India-Bhutan relations.
Shifting focus to the Indian Ocean region, Jaishankar’s discussion with Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ritesh Ramful highlighted India’s resolve to elevate their strategic partnership. Both nations share historical, cultural, and economic bonds, and these talks aim to unlock new avenues for collaboration in trade, security, and development. ‘Great to meet Mauritius FM Dhananjay Ritesh Ramful. Conveyed our commitment to taking forward our excellent strategic partnership,’ he shared on social media.
The Raisina Dialogue serves as a premier platform where global leaders, policymakers, academics, industry experts, and journalists converge to deliberate on pressing international issues. This 11th edition has already sparked vibrant discussions on everything from regional security to sustainable development.
Jaishankar’s diplomatic calendar was packed. He engaged with Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg, praising his insights on the maritime industry. Interactions with Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeid Khatibzadeh occurred against the backdrop of escalating tensions in West Asia, following US-Israel joint strikes on Iran on February 28 aimed at degrading Tehran’s missile capabilities.
Further meetings included France’s Minister Delegate for Europe Benjamin Haddad, Germany’s State Secretary Niels Annen, Tanzania’s Deputy Foreign Minister Ngwaru Jumane Maghembe, GLOBESEC founder Robert Vass, and European Council on Foreign Relations co-founder Mark Leonard. These exchanges reflect India’s proactive foreign policy, fostering multilateral ties amid a complex global order.
As the dialogue progresses, these bilateral huddles signal India’s intent to fortify strategic alliances, ensuring regional stability and shared prosperity in an interconnected world.