Experts from 18 countries to deliberate on scientific collaboration, ocean governance, climate resilience and emerging technologies; former naval chiefs of India and Sri Lanka to participate in a special session

New Delhi, October 23(HS): The Indian Navy will host the three-day Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) in New Delhi from November 3 to 5, bringing together experts from 18 countries to deliberate on academic networks, marine science, ocean governance, climate resilience and emerging technologies. A special session titled ‘Perspectives from the Flag Bridge’ will be held on the opening day, featuring former chiefs of the Indian and Sri Lankan navies.

The annual high-level international strategic dialogue will take place at the Manekshaw Centre in collaboration with the National Maritime Foundation (NMF), the Indian Navy’s knowledge partner and chief organiser. This year’s theme is ‘Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific’.

The Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), which focuses on seven interconnected maritime pillars, was discussed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 14th East Asia Summit held in Bangkok in November 2019.

According to the Indian Navy, the IPRD aligns with India’s maritime vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). It aims to translate the broader cooperative framework of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative into concrete and practical initiatives that strengthen maritime cooperation across the region.

This year’s theme highlights a defining feature of the contemporary maritime environment: although the oceans are interconnected, the scientific knowledge, technological capabilities and institutional resources required to understand and manage them remain unevenly distributed.

Climate change, vulnerabilities in maritime trade and supply chains, growing pressure on marine resources, and threats to critical maritime infrastructure are increasingly having cross-border consequences. Addressing these challenges effectively requires not only advanced technologies but also robust mechanisms for cooperation, information-sharing and human-capital development.

Against this backdrop, the IPRD will explore opportunities for collaboration beyond the traditional boundaries of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), while recognising the essential contributions of the social sciences, life sciences and humanities.

Over the three days, the conference will feature five professional thematic sessions covering a broad range of maritime issues. These will include academic networks, research and human-capital development; maritime domain awareness and the protection of critical maritime infrastructure; ocean science and climate resilience; ocean governance and collaborative approaches to maritime resilience; and transformative maritime technologies, including their dual-use implications.

The deliberations will focus on practical measures to promote joint research, collaborative technological development, responsible governance, equitable access to scientific data and stronger institutional partnerships.

A special session titled ‘Perspectives from the Flag Bridge’ will be held on the opening day, bringing together former chiefs of the Indian and Sri Lankan navies. The programme will also feature a special ambassadors’ panel discussion titled ‘Dialogue of Cooperation’.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will deliver a commemorative lecture on the first day of the conference.

The three-day event will feature ministerial and other special addresses, alongside contributions from maritime professionals, scientists, academics, policymakers and subject-matter experts representing 18 countries across the Indo-Pacific region. The dialogue is intended to strengthen regional engagement and foster practical cooperation in addressing shared maritime challenges.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar