EAM Jaishankar Discusses Key Issues with Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister at Raisina Dialogue 2026
Synopsis
In a critical meeting at the Raisina Dialogue 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaged with Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, addressing pressing geopolitical issues amid rising tensions in West Asia.
Key Takeaways
Jaishankar met with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh .
The discussions occurred at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi .
The ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia were a focal point.
The Raisina Dialogue serves as a platform for global discussions on pressing issues.
This year's theme is "Saṁskāra – Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement" .
On March 6, in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar engaged in discussions with Saeed Khatibzadeh, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran, during the ongoing Raisina Dialogue 2026.
This meeting occurs against the backdrop of ongoing tensions in West Asia, following the February 28 strikes by the U.S. and Israel against Iran, intended to undermine Tehran's military capabilities.
The initial phase of this operation resulted in the deaths of high-ranking Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which prompted retaliatory actions from Tehran, including drone and missile strikes targeting U.S. interests and allied forces across the region.
The 11th Raisina Dialogue, a premier conference focusing on geopolitics and geo-economics, began on March 5, gathering global leaders, policymakers, and strategic thinkers.
This three-day event, organized by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, serves as a platform for heads of state, ministers, academics, industry leaders, think tanks, and media representatives to discuss urgent global matters.
During the dialogue, EAM Jaishankar also held meetings with Benjamin Haddad, the French Minister Delegate for Europe, Niels Annen, State Secretary in Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, and Ng'waru Jumanne Maghembe, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Tanzania.
Moreover, on the sidelines, he interacted with Robert Vass, founder and President of the GLOBESEC think tank, and Mark Leonard, Co-founder and Director of the European Council on Foreign Relations.
The Raisina Dialogue runs from March 5-7, officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 5, with Finland's President Alexander Stubb as the Chief Guest, delivering the keynote address.
According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, the theme for this year's edition is "Saṁskāra – Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement". Over three days, global decision-makers and thought leaders will engage in discussions across six thematic pillars, including (i) Contested Frontiers: Power, Polarity, and Periphery; (ii) Repairing the Commons: New Groups, New Guardians, New Avenues; (iii) White Whale: The Pursuit of Agenda 2030; (iv) The Eleventh Hour: Climate, Conflict, and the Cost of Delay; (v) Tomorrowland: Towards a Tech-topia; (vi) Trade in the Time of Tariffs: Recovery, Resilience, Reinvention.
Point of View
The meeting between EAM Jaishankar and Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister underscores the importance of diplomatic dialogue in addressing escalating tensions in West Asia. Engaging with influential leaders during the Raisina Dialogue highlights India's proactive stance on global issues.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Raisina Dialogue?
The Raisina Dialogue is India's premier conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, bringing together global leaders and experts to discuss pressing international issues.
Who attended the 2026 Raisina Dialogue?
The dialogue featured various leaders, including EAM S. Jaishankar, representatives from several countries, and influential think tank leaders.
What was discussed in the meeting between Jaishankar and Khatibzadeh?
The discussions focused on the current geopolitical tensions in West Asia, particularly following the recent U.S.-Israel strikes against Iran.
What themes are covered in the Raisina Dialogue?
This year's themes include contested frontiers, climate change, and trade recovery, among others, focusing on global cooperation and advancement.
When did the Raisina Dialogue 2026 take place?
The Raisina Dialogue 2026 took place from March 5 to March 7 in New Delhi.
