At the heart of New Delhi’s bustling diplomatic scene, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar conducted crucial bilaterals with Bhutan and Mauritius foreign ministers on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2026. Launched Thursday, this influential conference draws top minds to dissect global challenges in geopolitics and economics, hosted by ORF and MEA.
Jaishankar’s rendezvous with Bhutan’s Lyonpo DN Dhungyel was a testament to the exemplary India-Bhutan bond. He reiterated New Delhi’s dedication to intensifying this special partnership, which spans hydropower, connectivity, and mutual support. Posting on X, he noted, ‘Very happy to meet Bhutan Foreign Minister Lyonpo DN Dhungyel at Raisina Dialogue 2026. Reiterated our commitment to deepening our special partnership.’
In parallel, talks with Mauritius’ Dhananjay Ritesh Ramful focused on advancing their strategic alliance. With strong diaspora links and growing economic synergies, India aims to bolster cooperation in maritime security, digital economy, and capacity building. ‘Pleased to meet Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ritesh Ramful. Informed him of our commitment to advancing our excellent strategic partnership,’ Jaishankar updated on X.
Beyond these, Jaishankar connected with Malta’s Deputy PM Ian Borg, appreciating his maritime expertise, and Iran’s Deputy FM amid West Asian volatility post-US-Israel strikes targeting Iranian military assets on February 28.
The minister also held discussions with European delegates like France’s Benjamin Haddad and Germany’s Niels Annen, African representative from Tanzania, and think-tank leaders Robert Vass and Mark Leonard. These multifaceted engagements highlight India’s diplomatic agility.
Raisina Dialogue’s 11th iteration promises in-depth explorations of Indo-Pacific dynamics, climate action, and tech governance. Jaishankar’s proactive outreach not only reinforces bilateral frameworks but also positions India as a pivotal voice in global discourse, paving the way for collaborative futures.