Indian Navy to Host International Maritime Conference in New Delhi
The Indian Navy will hold a major maritime conference with experts from 18 countries, focusing on science and technology collaboration.
New Delhi, October 23 (Daily Kiran) : The Indian Navy is set to host the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi from November 3 to 5. This three-day international conference will bring together maritime experts, scientists, educators, policymakers, and diplomats from 18 countries.
The event aims to foster collaboration among scientific and academic institutions to address challenges related to the seas. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will participate and address the gathering, which will also feature insights from former naval chiefs of India and Sri Lanka. This year’s theme is “Science, Technology, and Academic Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific Region.” The conference is organized in partnership with the National Maritime Foundation, a key knowledge partner.
Today’s maritime issues are not confined to any single nation. Climate change, the security of maritime trade and supply chains, increasing pressure on marine resources, and the protection of critical maritime infrastructure necessitate improved coordination among countries. The conference will focus on sharing scientific capabilities, enhancing partnerships between research institutions, and developing trained human resources.
Five key topics will be discussed, with five specialized sessions planned over the three days. These sessions will not only identify challenges but also seek practical solutions. Topics will include collaborative research projects, the joint development of new technologies, and ensuring access to scientific data, alongside strengthening partnerships between institutions.
The Navy emphasizes the importance of integrating science, technology, engineering, mathematics, as well as social sciences, life sciences, and humanities. The goal is to understand maritime challenges from a comprehensive perspective and bring together experts from various fields to develop solutions.
On the first day, a special session titled “Perspectives from the Flag Bridge” will feature former naval chiefs from India and Sri Lanka sharing their experiences. Additionally, a unique dialogue among ambassadors called “Dialogue of Cooperation” will take place. The three-day event will also include special addresses from ministers and other distinguished guests, with experts discussing maritime security, scientific cooperation, and regional partnerships.
The Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue is the Indian Navy’s premier annual international strategic conference. Previous events have focused on interconnected areas of cooperation related to the Indo-Pacific Ocean initiative. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced this initiative during the 14th East Asia Summit in Bangkok in November 2019. Under India’s maritime vision, “Oceans,” the dialogue aims to translate broad cooperation frameworks into concrete action plans.
The conference will emphasize developing recommendations that can be implemented at national, sub-regional, and broader Indo-Pacific levels.
