The Indian Navy will host the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2026 in New Delhi from 3 to 5 November 2026. Its theme is “Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific”. Registration is open as of 23 October 2026.
Dialogue and Participation
IPRD is the Indian Navy’s premier strategic maritime dialogue and an apex-level international conference. It brings together maritime thinkers, policymakers, experts, academics, practitioners, scientists and technologists. The 2026 dialogue aims to identify practical and collaborative approaches to science, technology and academic cooperation across the Indo-Pacific. The National Maritime Foundation, an Indian institution for maritime research, policy dialogue and strategic thought, is involved in organising the dialogue. The 2026 programme has five focus areas covering ocean science, maritime technology, ocean governance, maritime awareness and academic cooperation.
Maritime Science and Technology
Oceanographic science studies the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of oceans. The dialogue’s focus on oceanographic science and climate resilience concerns these disciplines and the capacity to prepare for and respond to climate-related risks affecting maritime regions. Transformative maritime technologies can have both civilian and military applications, a characteristic described as dual use. The programme also covers collaborative approaches to ocean governance and maritime resilience. Ocean governance encompasses arrangements for managing ocean activities and resources, while maritime resilience concerns the capacity of maritime systems to withstand and recover from disruptions.
Maritime Awareness and Academic Cooperation
Maritime situational awareness involves gathering and analysing information about activities in the maritime domain. The dialogue’s agenda includes protecting critical maritime infrastructure, such as facilities and systems essential to maritime activity. Its academic focus includes research networks and human-capital development. The five focus areas are oceanographic science and climate resilience; transformative maritime technologies and dual-use implications; collaborative approaches to ocean governance and maritime resilience; maritime situational awareness and protection of critical maritime infrastructure; and academic networks, research and human-capital development.
Important Facts for Exams
- The Indian Navy is the maritime branch of the Indian Armed Forces.
- IPRD 2026 is scheduled for 3–5 November 2026 in New Delhi.
- The National Maritime Foundation is involved in organising IPRD 2026.
- Dual-use technologies have both civilian and military applications.
The Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026 has five stated focus areas, including ocean governance and maritime situational awareness. Its central theme is “Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific”.
