The second day of the Raisina Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi witnessed robust discussions on global governance, security challenges, technological innovation, and sustainable development.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for a balanced and just international system, arguing that global governance must be rooted in fairness and consistency rather than selective rule enforcement. Speaking at the session “Thrones and Thorns: Defending the Integrity of Nations,” he noted that the current world order is undergoing a profound transformation.
Jaishankar pointed to historical injustices in global narratives and referred to Kashmir, stating that “What was an invasion was turned into a dispute.” Highlighting the inconsistencies in international politics, he called for a strong yet fair United Nations, stressing that the organization must reflect today’s geopolitical realities rather than being shaped by post-World War II power structures.
Beyond the panel, Jaishankar engaged in bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of Nepal, the Philippines, and Luxembourg, as well as UK’s National Security Advisor, Jonathan Powell. Discussions focused on regional security, economic partnerships, and UN reforms, reinforcing India’s diplomatic outreach on multiple fronts.
A key highlight of the day was the address by US Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, who reaffirmed the growing strategic partnership between the US and India.
Addressing the large crowd which thronged Durbar, the largest hall at the Taj Palace, Gabbard clarified that the “America First” policy should not be misunderstood as isolationism, stating, “America First is not America alone.” She emphasized that India and the US are natural allies, with deepening cooperation in defense, technology, and energy security.
On global conflicts, she addressed the Ukraine war, tensions in the Indo-Pacific, and the need for collaborative security frameworks, reaffirming that Washington sees India as a key partner in ensuring regional stability.
Some Other Takeaways:
A major announcement on artificial intelligence (AI) was made by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who revealed that the IndiaAI Mission has signed an agreement with the Indian Parliament to use legislative data for training homegrown AI models.
Vaishnaw stressed the importance of developing domestic AI capabilities, warning that relying on foreign AI models could pose risks to India’s data security and sovereignty. He detailed India’s plans to create its own large-scale AI language model, similar to ChatGPT, while also investing in domestic semiconductor and GPU production.
Industry veteran Vinod Dham, a pioneer in India’s semiconductor industry, welcomed the initiative, proposing a funding model similar to the India Semiconductor Mission to ensure long-term AI research and development.
Amid ongoing global economic turbulence, discussions on supply chain resilience and economic diversification took center stage. Experts examined how countries are reducing dependence on single-source suppliers and building alternative trade partnerships.
Key Insights from Economic Panels:
• India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted India’s “China Plus One” strategy, urging global companies to expand manufacturing operations to India.
• Japan’s Kazuo Noguchi noted that Japanese companies are increasing investments in Southeast Asia and India to mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities.
• Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc showcased her country’s rapid emergence as a global manufacturing hub, stressing that regional trade agreements are reshaping global commerce.
• US Trade Representative Katherine Tai reaffirmed the importance of India-US economic ties, calling for greater collaboration in critical technologies and digital trade regulations.
Sustainability was another key focus area, with Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, emphasizing India’s commitment to climate resilience and green growth.
Introducing the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, Singh encouraged individuals to plant trees in honor of their mothers, reinforcing India’s cultural and environmental values. He urged global cooperation on clean energy transitions, stressing that climate action should not be politicized but rather treated as a shared global responsibility.
