Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has lauded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for maintaining humility and avoiding the arrogance often associated with long-term leadership. Speaking at the annual Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, Abbott praised Modi for “resisting the hubris of power” despite holding office for over a decade.
Abbott described the Raisina Dialogue, founded by India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, as a premier platform for tackling global strategic and geopolitical issues. The forum, held every March since 2016, convenes a diverse group of political leaders, senior military officials, business executives, journalists, and think tank heads to deliberate on pressing international challenges.
Comparing the dialogue with other global gatherings, Abbott suggested it surpasses forums like Davos and China’s Boao Forum. He noted that unlike these events, the Raisina Dialogue is not dominated by politically correct elites nor an exercise in paying tribute to the host government. Instead, it serves as a genuine platform for open discussion and debate.
Highlighting Prime Minister Modi’s approach, Abbott emphasized that the Indian leader attends the opening session each year but refrains from speaking. “At every dialogue so far, Modi has set an example, attending to hear the principal guest without speaking himself,” Abbott said. This, he noted, demonstrates Modi’s willingness to listen, even as one of the world’s most powerful leaders.
Abbott further remarked on Modi’s global stature, stating that after the US and Chinese presidents, he is arguably among the most influential figures worldwide. Yet, despite this authority, Modi continues to engage with others’ perspectives, embodying a leadership style that balances power with humility.
The Raisina Dialogue has grown into a critical international platform in New Delhi, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and experts annually to discuss geopolitical and strategic challenges, and fostering collaboration and dialogue on issues shaping the world.
