News

Category — GS Paper 2 ///Published — 2026-03-09 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Quick Facts For Prelims, GS Paper - 2, Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests ///Category — GS Paper 2 ///Published — 2026-03-09 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Quick Facts For Prelims, GS Paper - 2, Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests ///

News · GS Paper 2

Raisina Dialogue 2026 Launches Science Diplomacy

The 11th Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi introduced the Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative, integrating AI governance, semiconductor supply chains and digital public infrastructure into India’s foreign policy. The summit also underscored a shift to a multipolar world, calls for UN Security Council reform and heightened focus on maritime security, all of which are pivotal for UPSC aspirants.

2026-03-09

Published

—

Source

Quiz Questions

Article

Key Facts & Data Points

Edition: 11th Raisina Dialogue (2026)
Theme: Samskara – Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement
New Initiative: Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI)
Focus areas: AI governance, semiconductor supply chains, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for developing nations
Geopolitical Emphasis: Shift to a multipolar world; rise of Global South and South‑South partnerships
Strategic Groupings Highlighted: BRICS, India‑Middle‑East‑Europe Economic Corridor, India‑France‑UAE (UFI) Trilateral
Multilateral Reform Call: Reform of the UN Security Council to reflect contemporary realities, supporting India’s permanent seat
Maritime Security Concerns: Protection of global supply chains, under‑sea communication cables, and maritime routes in the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Indo‑Pacific
Organisers: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in partnership with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF)
Comparable Platforms: Munich Security Conference (Germany), Shangri‑La Dialogue (Singapore)

Background & Context

The Raisina Dialogue, launched in 2016, has become India’s premier platform for geopolitics and geo‑economics. The 2026 edition, themed Samskara, explored how civilizations assert identity, accommodate diversity, and advance collectively. Recognising rapid technological change, the dialogue introduced the Science Diplomacy Initiative to embed scientific and technological considerations within diplomatic engagements.

Significance for India / Governance / Policy

Science Diplomacy: Aligns India’s digital public infrastructure initiatives (e.g., Aadhaar, DigiLocker) with foreign aid, enhancing soft power.
AI & Semiconductors: Positions India as a stakeholder in global tech supply chains, reducing dependence on a few countries and bolstering strategic autonomy.
Multipolarity & South‑South Cooperation: Enables India to lead new flexible plurilateral groupings, expanding influence beyond traditional Western‑centric forums.
UNSC Reform: Strengthens India’s case for a permanent seat, reflecting its growing economic and strategic weight.
Maritime Security: Highlights the need for naval modernization and safeguarding of under‑sea cables, crucial for economic resilience.

Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions

Article 51 (a) of the Constitution: Duty of the State to foster respect for international law and treaty obligations.
UN Charter – Article 24: Maintenance of international peace and security, underpinning India’s push for UNSC reform.
Foreign Trade Policy (2023‑28): Emphasises technology‑led exports, dovetailing with the SDI’s focus on AI and semiconductors.

References

Press Information Bureau (PIB) releases on Raisina Dialogue 2026
MEA statements on Science Diplomacy
UN Charter and Indian Constitution excerpts relevant to multilateral reforms