Modi in Singapore: What is Shangri-La Dialogue?

On Friday, June 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) in Singapore. It will be the first time that an Indian prime minister will speak at the SLD which has, over the years, evolved into a key strategic gathering of the Asia-Pacific region.

What is the Shangri-La Dialogue?

The SLD is a top annual even where top representatives and defence personnel from several countries from 28 Asia Pacific countries as well as from across the world assemble.

Hosted by London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) and the government of Singapore since 2002, the SLD has become what Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull defined as "one of world's great strategic gatherings" as it boosts security cooperation and mutual confidence through easy communication between defence personnel and policymakers.

This event gives an opportunity for officials and defence personnel to discuss in depth various regional security issues in break-up groups or on the sidelines, thus making it an effective diplomatic platform. The SLD recognises emerging security concerns and prevalent security concerns every year and focuses on thorough discussions on them. Its speakers in the past included top leaders and senior ministers from countries like China, Australia, Korea, Malaysia and even the US.

The SLD gets its name from its venue - Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore.

Why is the Shangri-La Dialogue important?

The dialogue is important for it not only gives country representatives to discuss pressing issues but also give an opportunity to journalists, academics, lawmakers and business delegates to get accustomed with the new trends on problems and policies and spread the knowledge further. The SLD is a great vehicle for discussing security and formulating public policies.

What will be SLD's agenda this year?

North Korean denuclearisation issue will be the prime topic for discussion this year as it has been in the previous few years. Besides, the South China Sea crisis, terrorism, future conflicts and emerging technologies could be discussed at length this year.