- “Some companies have grown so large that they could potentially join the G20.” – EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar
- “China is advancing its plans to take over Taiwan by 2027, and the PLA is making significant preparations—but the USA is ready to respond.” – Admiral Samuel Paparo (Commander, US Indo-Pacific Command) on China’s Taiwan strategy
- “Space is a global common, and we need to formulate laws that reflect present-day realities.” – Ritu Karidhal (Senior Scientist, ISRO) on space governance
- “Hybrid warfare is more complex and critical than traditional combat—we must be prepared for its evolving threats.” – General Anil Chauhan (India’s Chief of Defence Staff) on hybrid warfare
India-EU Partnership and Global Stability
On Day 3 of the ORF Raisina Dialogue, a session was held on “India-EU Partnership and Global Stability” to explore whether India and the EU can design a unified and impactful proposition to strengthen bilateral relations and revamp multilateral institutions. The session was moderated by Amrita Narlikar, Distinguished Fellow, ORF, and featured panellists including Anna Luhrmann (Germany), Jonathan Vseviov (Estonia), Tanmaya Lal (India), Kristina Kausch (USA), and Garima Mohan (Germany). The panel expressed optimism about achieving the India-EU FTA targets, acknowledging that compromises from both sides would be necessary. The discussion also highlighted Europe’s efforts to strengthen ties with India as part of a broader strategy to diversify trade relations and reduce dependence on China.
When the Economy is Political
A session titled “When Economy is Political” focused on the interconnectedness of economic policies and global politics, particularly in the context of growth, tariffs, and India’s economic outlook. Moderated by Shamika Ravi, the discussion featured Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, and renowned economist Nouriel Roubini. Kant highlighted that U.S. tariff policies could restrict India’s economic growth, emphasizing that economics is inherently political. Roubini, however, endorsed President Trump’s tariff policies. The panellists agreed that the global economy is facing continuous challenges and is no longer the same as in previous years. A notable point of discussion was the comparison between India and China, where it was argued that if China’s innovation were curtailed, its GDP growth could be limited to just 3%. The session concluded on an optimistic note, highlighting India’s demographic advantage as a key driver of its economic future.
Geopolitics of Space
The session “Dark Matters: The Geopolitics of Space” explored how nations can access and safeguard space as a global commons. Moderated by Corinna Hoyer, the panel included Ritu Karidhal (ISRO), Jessy Kate Schingler (USA), and Sana Sabry (Egypt). Karidhal emphasized the importance of formulating global laws for space governance that reflect present-day realities. Sabry reinforced the idea that space exploration and development should not be restricted by national borders, making it an open arena for all.
Securing Trade Through Red Zones
In the session “Deepwater Perils: Securing Trade Through Red Zones,” panellists deliberated on whether current alliances and force deployments are sufficient to guarantee freedom of navigation and trade. Moderated by Yalda Hakim, the discussion featured Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi (India), Admiral Justin Jones (Australia), Admiral Samuel Paparo (USA), General Romeo S. Brawner (Philippines), and General Yoshihide Yoshida (Japan). Admiral Paparo noted that China is making significant preparations to take over Taiwan by 2027, but the U.S. is ready to respond. General Brawner pointed out China’s construction of artificial islands near the Philippines’ coast and its deployment of offensive weapons there, reaffirming that the Philippines would not yield to such tactics. Admiral Tripathi emphasized that India has undertaken significant naval reforms over the past decade to enhance its operational effectiveness.
Commissar and Capitalist: Politics, Business, and the New World Order
This session examined how foreign policy is evolving amidst shifting global trade and financial dynamics. Moderated by Palki Sharma, the panel featured Dr S. Jaishankar (India), Joel Kaplan (Meta, USA), Pierroberto Folgiero (Italy), and Marianne Demarchi (Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Swift). Minister Jaishankar remarked that some companies have grown so large that they could potentially qualify as G20 members. Other panellists discussed the transformation of the global economy in an era of public-private partnerships, agreeing that while this has led to significant economic progress, geopolitical risks are now restricting business operations. The need for geopolitical stability to ensure economic growth was underscored as a key takeaway.
Navigating Hybrid Theatres
The session “Verses and Wars: Navigating Hybrid Theatres” explored the complexities of modern warfare, where traditional and hybrid tactics increasingly blur. Moderated by Robert Vass, the panel featured General Anil Chauhan (India), David Petraeus (USA), Vivek Lall (USA), Pavlina Pavlova (USA), and Maggie Sprenger (USA). General Chauhan emphasized that hybrid warfare is more complex and critical than traditional combat, necessitating greater preparedness. Other panellists discussed various hybrid warfare strategies and the significant threats they pose, offering insights into possible mitigation measures.
Each of these sessions at the Raisina Dialogue 2025 provided valuable insights into pressing global issues, reinforcing the need for international collaboration across economic, geopolitical, and security domains.
Aayush Pal is a freelance writer on contemporary geopolitical developments. The views expressed in his work are entirely his own.
Balaji Subramanian 
Shashank Pandey 
Sakshi Yadav