New Delhi witnessed a crucial diplomatic engagement on Friday as India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held talks with Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2026. The meeting comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East, triggered by joint US-Israel strikes on Iran on February 28.
These strikes targeted Iran’s missile capabilities, military infrastructure, and efforts to advance its nuclear program. High-profile Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, were reportedly killed in the initial phase of the operation. In retaliation, Iran launched drone and missile attacks on US assets, regional capitals, and allied forces across the region.
The Raisina Dialogue, India’s premier geopolitical and geo-economic conference, kicked off its 11th edition on Thursday in New Delhi. Organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, the three-day event from March 5-7 brings together global leaders, policymakers, academics, industry heads, think tanks, and media to deliberate on pressing international challenges.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the conference on March 5, with Finland’s President Alexander Stubb as the chief guest delivering the keynote address. Dr. Jaishankar’s packed schedule included meetings with key figures such as French politician Benjamin Haddad, Germany’s State Secretary Niels Annen from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, and Tanzania’s Deputy Foreign Minister Ngwaru Jumane Maghembe.
He also engaged with Robert Vass, founder and president of GLOBESEC think-tank, and Mark Leonard, co-founder and director of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR). These interactions underscore India’s proactive diplomacy in navigating the volatile West Asian landscape while fostering multilateral ties.
As the Middle East conflict intensifies, such bilateral discussions signal India’s commitment to de-escalation and stability, balancing its strategic interests with longstanding partnerships in the region. The Raisina Dialogue provides a vital platform for these conversations, highlighting New Delhi’s growing role in global affairs.