External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar delivered the keynote address at the inaugural session of the Raisina Dialogue in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the growing importance of India-Middle East relations. He stressed the remarkable expansion in engagement over the last decade, driven by strong trade, connectivity, and people-to-people linkages, framing this partnership as essential in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Dr Jaishankar reflected on the origins of the Raisina Dialogue, recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call a decade ago to prioritise hosting high-level conferences domestically rather than solely attending international ones. The result was the birth of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, which has since gained prominence both in India and on the global stage.
Expressing satisfaction at Raisina’s extension to West Asia, he praised the collaboration between the Observer Research Foundation and UAE partners for making the Abu Dhabi edition possible. He emphasised the deep historical ties between India and the Middle East, underscoring centuries of exchange in commerce, culture, and ideas.
In recent years, bilateral relations have deepened significantly, particularly with the Gulf countries. Trade between India and the Gulf has reached $160 to $180 billion annually, with more than 9 million Indians living and working in the region. Beyond energy, India’s strategic interests encompass infrastructure, defence, technology, fertilisers, and green energy projects, including green hydrogen and submarine cables.
Dr Jaishankar noted that global shifts in manufacturing, digital trust, and geopolitics are reshaping international relations. He identified eight key trends, including increased competition between the US and China, concerns about manufacturing concentration, and the rise of digital economies, all of which underscore the need for resilient partnerships.
Addressing the evolving global order, Dr Jaishankar emphasised the relevance of technology and tradition as twin pillars shaping India’s policy. He cautioned against the imposition of borderless cultural norms that override national traditions and governance practices. He called for collaborative solutions in areas such as food security, health, and diversified manufacturing while lauding ongoing efforts in renewable energy and emerging technologies.
Connectivity, he asserted, was central to regional cooperation. Initiatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) are steps toward restoring disrupted natural linkages. Maritime security and humanitarian cooperation are also areas requiring collaborative mechanisms.
