External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will participate in the inaugural Mediterranean Raisina Dialogue, scheduled for June 12 and 13, 2025, in Marseille, France. This landmark event marks the first time the Raisina Dialogue is being hosted outside India, symbolizing an expanded diplomatic footprint and strategic engagement with the Mediterranean region.

What is the Mediterranean Raisina Dialogue?

• The Mediterranean Raisina Dialogue is an extension of the flagship Raisina Dialogue, India’s premier annual forum on geopolitics and geo-economics, jointly organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) since 2016.
• Traditionally held in New Delhi, the Raisina Dialogue has become a significant platform bringing together world leaders, policymakers, defence experts, business leaders, and academics.
• Hosting the Dialogue in Marseille, a major Mediterranean port city and hub of global shipping, underscores India’s growing interest and engagement in Mediterranean and European affairs.

Why June 2025 and Why Marseille?

• The timing coincides with India’s increasing diplomatic outreach to the Mediterranean, with strategic initiatives such as the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) aimed at boosting trade and connectivity.
• Marseille’s status as a global shipping and logistics hub, home to CMA CGM — a world leader in container shipping and a key event partner — makes it an ideal location to discuss maritime security, trade, and sustainable development.
• The event reflects India’s ambition to deepen cooperation with Mediterranean countries on defence, technology, climate resilience, and security.

Agenda & Themes

The Mediterranean Raisina Dialogue is expected to cover:

1. Maritime Security: Enhancing cooperation in the Mediterranean and Red Sea regions, including combating piracy and securing key trade routes.
2. Trade and Connectivity: Strengthening economic ties through projects like IMEC and enhancing transport, energy, and digital linkages.
3. Defence Collaboration: Joint exercises, co-production, and technology sharing among India, Mediterranean nations like Greece, Israel, Cyprus, and Egypt.
4. Climate and Sustainability: Addressing the climate-security nexus, promoting clean energy, and advancing sustainable infrastructure.
5. Digital Governance and Counter-terrorism: Building resilient digital ecosystems and enhancing security cooperation.

Strategic Importance

• Expands India’s role in a region critical for global commerce and geopolitics.
• Opens new avenues for defence manufacturing and strategic partnerships.
• Bolsters India’s participation in Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean security frameworks, including the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).

India’s Growing Footprint in the Mediterranean

• India has steadily increased diplomatic, economic, and defence cooperation with Mediterranean countries.
• Greece and India have particularly deepened collaboration on shipbuilding, maritime security, and joint naval exercises.
• Greece has called for greater Indian military involvement in Mediterranean and Red Sea security dynamics.

Participation and Expectations

• Besides Dr. Jaishankar, the Dialogue will feature ministers, senior military officials, industry leaders, academics, and experts from across the region.
• Discussions will focus on multilateral security challenges, climate-resilient infrastructure, trade facilitation, and technological innovation.

Conclusion

The inaugural Mediterranean Raisina Dialogue, held on June 12–13, 2025, in Marseille, France, symbolizes a pivotal step in India’s diplomatic outreach beyond South Asia. It strengthens India’s strategic ties with the Mediterranean region and Europe, leveraging shared interests in security, trade, climate action, and technology.