The three-day Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026 concluded on Thursday with discussions on cooperative ocean governance, maritime resilience and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies.
Organised by the Indian Navy in association with the National Maritime Foundation, the Navy’s annual apex-level international strategic dialogue brought together more than 40 experts and speakers from 20 countries. The conference examined “Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific” through five thematic sessions and senior-level interactions.
Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani delivered a special address on the concluding day and interacted with the audience. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh delivered the valedictory address.
A session on “Collaborative Approaches to Ocean Governance and Maritime Resilience”, moderated by retired Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, Director-General of the United Service Institution of India, explored ways to connect scientific expertise with governance and strengthen equitable research partnerships.
Professor Deo Florence Onda of the University of the Philippines discussed a cooperative plan to share Filipino experience and expertise in ocean governance. Dr Marie Bourrel-McKinnon, former Chief of Staff at the International Seabed Authority, examined equitable deep-sea research partnerships and resource governance.
Ramraj Narasimhan of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure outlined the implementation of the Infrastructure for Resilient Island States programme. Sofia Furstenberg-Stott of Sweden’s Future Maritime discussed ways to strengthen links between marine science and shipping operations.
The session emphasised the resilience of vulnerable island states and the need for scientific knowledge to inform decisions by maritime industries and public institutions.
The final session, on “Transformative Maritime Technologies and Dual-Use Implications”, examined cooperation on emerging technologies, capacity building and frameworks for their responsible adoption. It was moderated by retired Rear Admiral Guninder Singh Jawanda.
Dongyoun Cho of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Germany, presented a framework for Indo-Pacific cooperation on artificial intelligence and quantum technologies in the maritime domain. Dr Eva Pejsova of the Brussels School of Governance discussed EU–Indo-Pacific mechanisms for governing dual-use maritime technologies.
Retired Captain Mark Blaine of the South African Navy, representing Stellenbosch University, outlined a cooperation roadmap to help small and medium navies adapt to these technologies. Retired Commodore Arun Golaya examined operational Navy-to-Navy cooperation for their responsible adoption.
Discussions focused on collaborative research, practical training and institutional arrangements that would enable partners with different resources and requirements to participate in technological advances.
The conference drew military practitioners, policymakers, maritime industry representatives, diplomats, academics, media representatives and students. Its deliberations sought to identify practical outcomes under the Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation pillar of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
The event also reaffirmed the Indian Navy’s commitment to regional maritime security and cooperation, reflecting India’s maritime vision of MAHASAGAR—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
(PIB)
