The 10th Raisina Dialogue, organized by India’s external affairs ministry and ORF, focuses on US trade policies, global order, and conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. With over 120 countries represented, discussions will follow the theme “Kālachakra – People, Peace and Planet”. Notably, India and New Zealand announced plans for a free trade agreement to enhance their economic and security collaborations in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Raisina Dialogue, India’s prominent conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, marks its tenth year by hosting representatives from over 120 countries. Participants include ministers, former heads of state, military leaders, business executives, and academics. This year’s agenda will heavily feature discussions on the impact of the Donald Trump administration’s trade and security policies, as well as the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia.
The 2023 event, organized by India’s external affairs ministry and the Observer Research Foundation, will welcome foreign ministers from approximately 20 nations, such as Ukraine, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sweden. The theme for the conference, “Kālachakra – People, Peace and Planet,” embraces six key pillars focusing on urgent global issues: Politics Interrupted, Resolving the Green Trilemma, Digital Planet, Militant Mercantilism, The Tiger’s Tale, and Investing in Peace.
During the event, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Chris Luxon. Jaishankar expressed appreciation for Luxon’s commitment to strengthening the long-standing ties between their nations. They are set to hold discussions aimed at reviewing and enhancing bilateral relations.
The resumption of negotiations for a comprehensive free trade agreement between India and New Zealand was announced after a meeting between Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and his New Zealand counterpart Todd McClay. Luxon affirmed that his visit aims to bolster economic ties and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting the importance of engaging with India’s rapidly growing economy. The trade relationship between India and New Zealand was valued at $1.75 billion for the year 2023-24.
The Raisina Dialogue serves as an essential platform for addressing pivotal global themes, including trade policies and security issues stemming from the Trump administration. The focus on environmental sustainability and digital transformation reflects contemporary challenges faced by nations. Additionally, the reaffirmation of India-New Zealand’s commitment to strengthen bilateral relations indicates the significance of international cooperation in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
