Indo-Pacific dialogue 2026 explores tech & maritime security ties

The Indian Navy's three-day Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026 (IPRD-2026) commenced in New Delhi on Tuesday,November 3,2026,, bringing together maritime experts and international representatives to discuss ways to strengthen regional cooperation through science, technology and academic partnerships.Organised in collaboration with the National Maritime Foundation (NMF), the Navy's knowledge partner, the conference is being held under the theme ‘Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific’.
The opening day focused on converting scientific advancements and technological innovations into practical cooperation, stronger maritime capabilities and greater regional resilience, according to the Ministry of Defence.The programme began with an inaugural address by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi (Retd), Chairman of NMF and former Chief of the Naval Staff. Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (Retd), National Maritime Security Coordinator, Government of India, delivered the special address.
According to agency reports,the first session, titled ‘Academic Networks, Research, and Human Capital Development’, explored opportunities to strengthen academic partnerships across the Indo-Pacific. Moderated by Vice Admiral Sanjay Mahindru (Retd), former Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff, it featured perspectives from France, Indonesia, Japan and the Maldives.Discussions covered the development of an Indian Ocean academic network, collaboration among universities in coastal cities and stronger research partnerships among think tanks, universities and governments. A monograph titled ‘Sea Blindness and Maritime Heritage in India’ was also released.
The second session examined ‘Maritime Situational Awareness and Protection of Critical Maritime Infrastructure’. Moderated by Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti (Retd), former Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff, it addressed challenges in protecting maritime trade routes and critical undersea infrastructure.Discussions focused on the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA), information-sharing mechanisms and the development of a regional framework for underwater domain awareness. Perspectives from the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) on safeguarding critical maritime infrastructure were also discussed.The sessions highlighted the importance of scientific cooperation, oceanographic research, information-sharing and technological solutions in addressing maritime security and climate-related challenges.
The opening day also featured ‘Sahyog Ka Samvaad’, an ambassadorial interaction involving Sri Lankan High Commissioner Mahishini Colonne, Philippine Ambassador Josel F Ignacio and Norwegian Ambassador May-Elin Stener. The interaction was hosted and moderated by Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan (Retd), Director-General of NMF.