What’s on the agenda of the Raisina Dialogue? Premium

Annual Raisina Dialogue in Delhi to discuss Trump's foreign policy shifts, U.S.-Russia-Ukraine talks, and global relations.

The story so far:

A month after this year’s explosive Munich Security Conference, where U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance put Europe on notice, Delhi is set to host the annual Raisina Dialogue from March 17-19, where U.S. President Donald Trump’s seismic foreign policy shifts are expected to be the big conversation points again.

The 10th edition of the annual Raisina Dialogue will be inaugurated on Monday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the chief guest, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, will deliver the keynote address, with the theme “Kalachakra” (wheel of time). However, a big contingent from the U.S. is expected to take the centre stage, given the twists and turns in American policy under Mr. Trump — from the Ukraine war, the talks with Russia, the new tariff regime that threatens ties between the U.S. and countries around the world, including India, the U.S.’ fraying relations with its NATO and European allies, uncertainty around the U.S.’s Indo-Pacific policy, and new statements on China and Taiwan.

Amidst the turmoil, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard is leading a team to Delhi for an intelligence chiefs’ conference at the weekend hosted by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and will speak at the Raisina Dialogue. Apart from Ms. Gabbard, the Special Assistant to U.S. President Trump and National Security Council official, Ricky Gill, and Senior Counsellor to Mr. Trump, James Carafano, who was a key figure behind the Republican campaign document “Project 2025”, are also listed as speakers and are expected to defend the U.S.’ moves.

A Quad panel with senior Navy leadership from the four countries, India, Australia, Japan and the U.S., is expected as India gears up to host the Quad leader summit this year, which is expected to see some announcements on expanding maritime cooperation.

The Raisina Dialogue follows weeks of dramatic developments in the Russia-Ukraine war, including the showdown between Mr. Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington, followed by rounds of U.S.-Russia talks and then U.S.-Ukraine talks about a ceasefire, which will no doubt be a major point of discussion at the dialogue, and on its sidelines. Eleven of the 20 Foreign and other Ministers arriving for the dialogue are from Europe, including Ukraine Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

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