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Last Updated:March 16, 2025, 16:03 IST
With Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expected to attend the conference, some observers believe Russia’s messaging is more than routine diplomacy -- potentially a calculated move to reinforce its influence in India
One of the hoardings in New Delhi.
As the Raisina Dialogue takes centre stage, hoardings featuring Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have appeared across Delhi, even at the airports, boldly declaring: ‘India-Russia driving global change’.
Displayed in three languages, the timing of these visuals have sparked curiosity.
With Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expected to attend the conference, some observers believe Russia’s messaging is more than routine diplomacy — potentially a calculated move to reinforce its influence in India.
RUSSIA’S MESSAGING: READING BETWEEN THE LINES
Russia’s participation looks rather meek, say observers, as Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will attend the event. However, the hoardings, not very far from the venue, tell a different story.
Adding to the mix, Russia’s state-backed media outlet RT has been actively promoting its narrative in India.
RT’s promo with the slogan ‘Reform how you watch news’, observers say, has been subtly suggesting: “Watch the world through Russian lens."
A recent Holi-themed post by the Russian embassy– prominently featuring RT– further amplified the ongoing push.
The boldness of Russia’s push has left experts intrigued about its intentions and the evolving dynamics of India-Russia relations.
Putin recently thanked world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump and for their “noble mission" to end the fighting between Ukraine and Russia.
What exactly will unfold at the Raisina Dialogue and thereafter will be known soon.
WHAT IS RAISINA DIALOGUE?
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) press release, the Raisina Dialogue is India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the international community. The 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue will be held from March 17-19.
PM Modi will inaugurate the Dialogue on March 17. Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon will join the inaugural session as the Chief Guest and deliver the keynote address. The 10th Raisina Dialogue will witness participation of representatives from about 125 countries including ministers, former heads of state and heads of government, military commanders, captains of industry, technology leaders, academics, journalists, scholars on strategic affairs, experts from leading think tanks, and youth. Over 3,500 participants from about 125 countries will be joining the Dialogue in person, and the proceedings will be viewed by millions across the world on various digital platforms.
The theme of the 2025 edition is ‘Kālachakra – People, Peace and Planet’. Decision makers and thought leaders of the world will engage each other across conversations in various formats, over six thematic pillars:
Politics Interrupted: Shifting Sands and Rising TidesResolving the Green Trilemma: Who, Where, & HowDigital Planet: Agents, Agencies and AbsencesMilitant Mercantilism: Trade, Supply Chains & the Exchange Rate AddictionThe Tiger’s Tale: Rewriting Development with a New PlanInvesting in Peace: Drivers, Institutions, & Leadership.Location : First Published:March 16, 2025, 16:03 IST
News india ‘India-Russia Driving Global Change’: Decoding Russia's Message Through These Hoardings Ahead Of Raisina Dialogue In New Delhi
