The Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) is the Asia-Pacific region’s most influential defence and security summit, bringing together defence ministers, military leaders, policymakers, strategic experts, and security analysts from across the world. Organised annually by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in Singapore, the Dialogue serves as a vital platform for discussing Indo-Pacific security, maritime disputes, geopolitical rivalries, cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and regional stability. Often described as the “Davos for Defence,” the Shangri-La Dialogue plays a crucial role in promoting transparency, strategic communication, and confidence-building among nations in an increasingly complex security environment.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD), covering its history, objectives, organizational structure, major participants, key themes, significance, criticisms, and India’s role in advancing Indo-Pacific security. It also explores recent discussions on the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, North Korea, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence in defence, climate security, QUAD, AUKUS, and the evolving US–China strategic rivalry. Whether you are preparing for UPSC, State PCS, UGC-NET, International Relations, Defence & Strategic Studies, Political Science, Public Administration, or Current Affairs, this guide offers a clear, practical, and exam-oriented understanding of one of the world’s leading security dialogues.
Author: Darshita Neeraj
Senior Researcher,
Mudita Learning and Knowledge Private Limited
Email: info@muditabooks.com
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