Keynote Insights and Regional Coordination
Admiral Arun Prakash (Retd), former Chief of Naval Staff, emphasized the need for synchronized regional responses anchored in real-time information sharing, institutional coordination, and sustained capacity development. He stressed that combating challenges like Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, trafficking networks, and transnational maritime crimes requires collective ownership and shared responsibility among IOR nations.
The first session, moderated by Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar (Retd), focused on strengthening mechanisms for real-time maritime information exchange and operational coordination. Speakers, including Rear Admiral TVN Prasanna (Indian Navy) and Colonel Amanulla Ahmed Rasheed (Maldives), highlighted the importance of interoperability, structured institutional linkages, and rapid coordinated responses to transnational maritime threats.
Collaborative Capacity Building
The second session examined pathways for regional capacity building and capability enhancement. Rear Admiral Srinivas Maddula and Captain (IN) Ranendra S Sawan, Senior Fellow at the National Maritime Foundation, shared insights on pooling regional training resources, expanding professional exchange programs, and strengthening institutional frameworks. Admiral Karambir Singh (Retd), former Chief of Naval Staff, moderated this session, reinforcing that sustainable maritime stability in the IOR relies on coordinated capability development and structured cooperation.
Closing Remarks and Future Outlook
The conclave concluded with addresses from Chiefs of Navies and Heads of Delegations, articulating national perspectives on advancing collaborative Lines of Effort to mitigate dynamic maritime threats. Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, CNS, appreciated all partner nations for their continued commitment and underscored the need to move from shared awareness to coordinated action through technology, seamless information sharing, and focused operations under the MAHASAGAR framework.
The deliberations reflected strong convergence on strengthening regional maritime partnerships, institutionalizing cooperation mechanisms, and enhancing collective capacity. GMC-26 reaffirmed India’s commitment to fostering inclusive, consultative, and action-oriented maritime cooperation in the IOR, promoting safe, secure, and stable seas through structured collaboration and real-time information exchange.
