Raisina Dialogue 2026 wrapped up in New Delhi with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivering a masterclass on India’s maritime diplomacy. He stressed India’s unique knack for assembling global players, rooted in mutual confidence and proven partnerships.
In the Indian Ocean, India’s position demands—and enables—leadership. ‘We bring countries together because they trust us,’ Jaishankar said, pointing to the collaborative spirit at Gurugram’s Fusion Centre, where diverse nations align on intelligence and strategy.
This is bolstered by a web of institutions: IOR mechanisms, Colombo conclaves, BIMSTEC, and emerging Pacific ties, crafting a unified security architecture. Bilateral bonds with Seychelles, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka include shared vessels, rigorous trainings, and multinational maneuvers, often alongside Australia.
India’s forces dominate maritime domains, from Singapore-based anti-piracy to countering drugs, illegal fishing, disasters, and spills. Swift aid from Indian ships in Sri Lankan and Mauritian oil crises exemplifies reliability. Embracing the ‘net security provider’ mantle, Jaishankar outlined a future where India drives collective maritime safety.