New Delhi: The Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026 (IPRD-2026) began in New Delhi on November 3, bringing together maritime experts, scientists, policymakers and representatives from partner countries.
Organised by the Indian Navy in partnership with the National Maritime Foundation (NMF), the three-day conference focuses on science, technology and academic cooperation to strengthen maritime security and regional partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.
What Is The Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026
The Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue is the Indian Navy’s annual international strategic conference. It provides a platform for countries to discuss important maritime challenges and explore ways to work together.
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The 2026 edition is being held from November 3 to 5 at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. Experts and representatives from 18 countries across the Indo-Pacific are participating in the event.
This year’s central theme is ‘Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific’.
The main objective is to turn scientific knowledge, research and technological developments into practical cooperation between countries.
What are the Focus Areas of Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026
The opening day focused on building stronger connections between research institutions, universities, governments and maritime organisations.
The programme began with an inaugural address by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi (Retd), Chairman of the National Maritime Foundation and former Chief of the Naval Staff.
Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (Retd), National Maritime Security Coordinator, also delivered a special address.
The discussions highlighted how countries can use scientific research, technology and shared knowledge to improve maritime capabilities and regional resilience.
Two Major Sessions Highlight Maritime Challenges
The first day featured professional discussions on two important subjects related to maritime cooperation.
1. Academic Networks, Research And Human Capital Development
The first professional session focused on improving academic cooperation, research networks and the development of skilled professionals.
Moderated by Vice Admiral Sanjay Mahindru (Retd), former Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff, the session included perspectives from France, Indonesia, Japan and the Maldives.
Participants discussed creating a wider Indian Ocean academic network by connecting universities in coastal cities across the Indo-Pacific. The discussions also explored stronger cooperation between think tanks, universities and governments.
A monograph titled ‘Sea Blindness and Maritime Heritage in India’ was released at the conclusion of the session.
2. Maritime Awareness And Protection Of Critical Infrastructure
The second professional session focused on maritime situational awareness and protecting critical maritime infrastructure.
It examined challenges related to the safety of sea-based trade, maritime information-sharing and the protection of important underwater infrastructure.
Moderated by Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti (Retd), the session discussed opportunities and challenges associated with the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA).
Participants highlighted the importance of sharing maritime information and developing a cooperative regional framework for underwater domain awareness.
The Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) also shared its views on protecting critical maritime infrastructure through regional cooperation.
Special Ambassadorial Dialogue Strengthens International Partnerships
The first day also featured a special ambassadorial interaction called ‘Sahyog Ka Samvaad’. The session brought together three senior diplomatic representatives:
- Mahishini Colonne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India.
- Josel F Ignacio, Ambassador of the Philippines to India.
- May-Elin Stener, Ambassador of Norway to India.
The interaction was hosted and moderated by Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan (Retd), Director-General of the National Maritime Foundation. The discussion provided an opportunity to exchange views on regional cooperation, maritime challenges and stronger international partnerships.
Five Key Areas Of Discussion At Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026
Beyond the opening-day discussions, the three-day conference covers five major professional themes. These areas are designed to address important challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region.
- Academic Networks, Research And Human Capital Development: Building stronger connections between universities, research institutions and experts.
- Maritime Situational Awareness And Protection Of Critical Maritime Infrastructure: Improving information-sharing and protecting important maritime and underwater infrastructure.
- Oceanographic Science And Climate Resilience: Using ocean research and scientific knowledge to understand and respond to climate-related challenges.
- Collaborative Approaches To Ocean Governance And Maritime Resilience: Encouraging countries to work together on responsible ocean management and maritime stability.
- Transformative Maritime Technologies And Dual-Use Implications: Exploring new maritime technologies and their applications in civilian and security-related activities.
The conference also includes special and ministerial sessions to encourage practical discussions and policy recommendations.
How IPRD 2026 Supports India’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
The Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue is an important part of India’s wider maritime engagement. It supports the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), which was introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 14th East Asia Summit in Bangkok in November 2019.
The initiative promotes cooperation in areas such as maritime security, ocean conservation, maritime resources, disaster management, science and technology, and maritime trade.
IPRD helps translate these broad objectives into practical proposals through discussions between countries and experts.
It also supports India’s maritime vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). Through these initiatives, India aims to encourage a stable, secure and cooperative Indo-Pacific region.
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FAQs
IPRD 2026 is being held from November 3 to 5, 2026, at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, India.
The Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026 is the Indian Navy’s annual international strategic conference. It focuses on science, technology and academic cooperation among Indo-Pacific countries.
The main theme is ‘Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific’. It focuses on research partnerships, maritime security, ocean science, climate resilience and emerging technologies.
