Indo-Pacific Nations Collaborate on Maritime Security in New Delhi

New Delhi, November 3 (Daily Kiran) : Countries including France, Indonesia, Japan, and the Maldives are exploring collaborative opportunities for maritime surveillance and security in the Indo-Pacific region. The discussions, which began on November 3 in New Delhi, focus on addressing challenges through science and technology, from monitoring maritime activities to safeguarding crucial underwater infrastructure.

Diplomats from Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Norway also participated in the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026 (IPRD-2026), organized by the Indian Navy. This three-day international conference gathers representatives, maritime security experts, and academics to consider how scientific research, new technologies, and academic partnerships can enhance regional cooperation.

The theme for this year’s conference is “Scientific, Technological, and Academic Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.” The event commenced with an inaugural address by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi (Retd), the president of the National Maritime Foundation. The Indian Navy is hosting the dialogue in collaboration with the National Maritime Foundation (NMF). On the first day, discussions centered around two key topics: maritime security and academic collaboration.

The primary focus of the first day was the significant challenges related to maritime security. Participants deliberated on the protection of critical underwater infrastructure and the monitoring of maritime activities. The importance of information exchange between nations for securing maritime trade and overseeing underwater structures was emphasized.

A session led by Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti (Retd), former Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, also addressed opportunities and challenges related to the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA). A critical aspect of the discussion was developing regional collaborative systems to share information about activities occurring beneath the sea. The Indian Ocean Commission highlighted the need for collective efforts to safeguard vital maritime infrastructure. The session also explored enhancing educational and research collaboration among countries in the Indian Ocean region.

Vice Admiral Sanjay Mahindru (Retd), also a former Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, moderated the discussions. Representatives from France, Indonesia, Japan, and the Maldives participated, exploring the potential to connect universities in coastal cities of the Indian Ocean through a comprehensive academic network. The discussions included shared research in social sciences, collaboration among universities and specialized institutions, and improving alignment with governments.

During the conference, the book titled “Sea Blindness and Maritime Heritage in India” was launched, focusing on raising awareness about the sea and maritime heritage in India. Diplomats from Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Norway also took part in a special diplomatic dialogue called “Dialogue for Cooperation,” featuring Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner Mahishini Kolon, Philippine Ambassador Josel F. Ignacio, and Norway’s Ambassador Me-Ailin Steiner.

The dialogue was hosted by Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan (Retd), Director General of the National Maritime Foundation. Throughout the day’s discussions, participants proposed various practical policy suggestions aimed at enhancing regional cooperation in science and technology and sharing knowledge through academic partnerships.