Indian Navy to host Indo‑Pacific Regional Dialogue in New Delhi, Nov 3‑5

Indian Navy launches three‑day Indo‑Pacific dialogue in New Delhi

The Indian Navy announced that it will host the 2026 edition of the Indo‑Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) in New Delhi from 3 to 5 November. The three‑day conference will bring together maritime practitioners, scientists, academicians, policymakers and experts from 18 countries to discuss cooperation in science, technology and research across the Indo‑Pacific region.

High‑level participation and thematic focus

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will deliver the commemorative address on the opening day, signalling the government’s strong backing for the initiative. The event is being organised in association with the National Maritime Foundation (NMF), the Navy’s knowledge partner and principal organiser.

The dialogue’s theme – Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation in the Indo‑Pacific – will be explored through five professional sessions:1. Academic networks and human‑capital development2. Maritime situational awareness and protection of critical infrastructure3. Oceanographic science and climate‑resilience4. Collaborative approaches to ocean governance and maritime resilience5. Transformative maritime technologies and dual‑use implications

These sessions aim to identify practical, actionable measures that can be pursued through existing bilateral, trilateral and multilateral mechanisms.

Bridging science, security and sustainable development

Organisers say the discussions will target joint research, technology development, scientific data‑sharing and stronger institutional partnerships. Beyond the traditional STEM fields, the programme will also consider the social sciences, life sciences and humanities, recognising that maritime security and ocean governance are as much about policy and societal impact as they are about technology.

Special sessions on the opening day will feature Perspectives from the Flag Bridge, a round‑table of former naval chiefs from India and Sri Lanka, and Sahyog Ka Samvaad, an ambassadorial interaction that will showcase diplomatic viewpoints on maritime cooperation.

Aligning with India’s broader maritime strategy

The IPRD is the Navy’s principal international strategic outreach initiative, translating the framework of the Indo‑Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) – launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 14th East Asia Summit in Bangkok in November 2019 – into concrete proposals. It also dovetails with India’s MAHASAGAR vision – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions – which emphasises security, sustainable development and inclusive growth across the maritime neighbourhood.

By hosting the dialogue, New Delhi seeks to showcase India’s capacity to lead a collaborative, rules‑based maritime architecture that addresses climate change, supply‑chain vulnerabilities and threats to critical maritime infrastructure. The event underscores the country’s commitment to regional stability and its rising stature as a hub for scientific and technological cooperation in the Indo‑Pacific.

Looking ahead

The Indian Navy expects the dialogue to produce a set of specific recommendations for national, sub‑regional and pan‑Indo‑Pacific cooperation. These will be channeled through existing mechanisms, reinforcing India’s role as a constructive partner in shaping a secure, resilient and prosperous maritime future.