Sri Lanka’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, touched down in New Delhi on Thursday ahead of the Raisina Dialogue 2026, India’s marquee geopolitical summit set to commence today. Herath, who also oversees foreign employment and tourism portfolios, joins a constellation of international figures for three days of intense discourse.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, greeted the minister on X, underscoring the robust bilateral bonds. He noted the ‘close and multifaceted partnership’ between the two nations, grounded in enduring people-centric connections that span history and culture.
The 11th iteration of the Raisina Dialogue, spearheaded by ORF and MEA, is a beacon for global policymakers. Since its inception in 2016, it has become the go-to arena in India for unpacking complex international issues, from geopolitical realignments to economic fortitude in turbulent times.
Participants this year include heads of state, cabinet ministers, scholars, business tycoons, and strategic thinkers, all converging to tackle climate imperatives, tech revolutions, and governance innovations. The theme ‘Sanskār, Daavā, Taalmel, Taraqqi’ reflects a world in transition, emphasizing cultural legacies that foster identity, negotiation of competing claims, strategic alignments, and pathways to prosperity.
Explaining the theme, organizers pointed out that ‘Sanskār represents the heritage of identity guiding civilizations to embrace diversity and evolve via positive change.’ This philosophical underpinning promises to enrich the conversations.
Notably, the forum has previously spotlighted pivotal topics like global governance reforms and resilience strategies. Other notable arrivals include Seychelles’ Barry Faure, Finland’s President Alexander Stubb as chief guest following his state visit, and US Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau.
With such luminaries in attendance, Raisina Dialogue 2026 is poised to shape narratives on the future of international cooperation, offering fresh perspectives on a multipolar world.