IndiaPosted at: Nov 6 2026 12:02AM


IPRD-2026 concludes with focus on cooperative ocean governance, responsible maritime technologies

New Delhi, Nov 5 (UNI) Emphasising the need for stronger regional partnerships in ocean governance, maritime resilience and responsible adoption of emerging technologies, the three-day Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2026 concluded in New Delhi on Thursday, with participation from over 40 experts and distinguished speakers representing 20 countries.
The Indian Navy's annual apex-level international strategic dialogue, organised in association with the National Maritime Foundation (NMF), focused on the theme ‘Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific’, with deliberations aimed at identifying practical avenues for strengthening maritime cooperation among regional partners.
The concluding day began with a special address by Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, who also interacted with participants on issues concerning regional maritime cooperation and security.
A key session on ‘Collaborative Approaches to Ocean Governance and Maritime Resilience’, moderated by Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh (Retd), Director-General of the United Service Institution of India, examined the need to integrate scientific research, equitable resource management and institutional cooperation to address emerging maritime challenges.
Professor Deo Florence Onda of the University of the Philippines highlighted opportunities for sharing Filipino expertise and experience in ocean governance.
Dr Marie Bourrel-McKinnon, former Chief of Staff at the International Seabed Authority, discussed the importance of equitable partnerships in deep-sea research and resource governance.
Ramraj Narasimhan of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) outlined the implementation of the Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) programme, while Sofia Furstenberg-Stott of Future Maritime, Sweden, examined ways to strengthen the relationship between marine science and shipping operations.
The discussions underscored the importance of ensuring that scientific research translates into effective policymaking, maritime industry practices and institutional mechanisms, while also addressing the vulnerabilities of island nations and promoting inclusive research partnerships.
The final professional session, ‘Transformative Maritime Technologies and Dual-Use Implications’, examined the opportunities and challenges arising from the growing application of advanced technologies in the maritime domain.
Moderated by Rear Admiral Guninder Singh Jawanda (Retd), the session brought together experts from different countries to discuss cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and other emerging maritime capabilities.
Dongyoun Cho of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Germany, explored possible frameworks for Indo-Pacific cooperation in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. Dr Eva Pejsova of the Brussels School of Governance discussed mechanisms for responsible governance of dual-use maritime technologies between the European union and Indo-Pacific countries.
Captain Mark Blaine (Retd) of the South African Navy, associated with Stellenbosch University, presented a roadmap for enabling small and medium-sized navies to adapt to emerging technologies, while Commodore Arun Golaya (Retd) highlighted the scope for operational cooperation between navies to ensure their responsible adoption.
The deliberations highlighted the need for collaborative research, technology-sharing and capacity-building arrangements to ensure that countries with varying technological and financial capabilities can participate effectively in the changing maritime landscape.
The conference concluded with a valedictory address by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, marking the culmination of three days of strategic deliberations involving military practitioners, policymakers, diplomats, maritime industry representatives, academics, media professionals and students.
With participation from over 40 experts and distinguished speakers representing 20 countries, IPRD-2026 sought to translate the Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation pillar of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative into more concrete avenues for regional engagement.
UNI PWS RN
Tags: #IPRD-2026 concludes with focus on cooperative ocean governance# responsible maritime technologies
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