Regional cooperation key to maritime security: Rajnath

Srinagar, Nov 4: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday called for greater regional cooperation, diversified supply chains and stronger maritime infrastructure to ensure security and resilience in the Indo-Pacific region amid growing global maritime challenges.
Addressing the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2026 in New Delhi, Singh said countries must work together to make maritime interdependence more secure by strengthening maritime awareness, improving infrastructure and developing the ability to withstand and recover from disruptions.
He cautioned that certain countries and actors were exploiting the strategic importance of oceans for narrow unilateral gains, leading to trade disruptions, challenges to freedom of navigation and the growing weaponisation of critical maritime routes.
Singh said the vulnerabilities of an interconnected world could only be addressed through greater resilience and cooperation, adding that globalisation could not be abandoned in response to every disruption.
Highlighting emerging maritime security threats, he said challenges now extended beyond conventional military activities to include piracy, trafficking, illegal fishing, cyberattacks and natural disasters.
He stressed that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, advanced sensors and data analytics would play an important role in strengthening maritime security. However, he cautioned that technological progress should not create further inequalities among nations.
“Technology must not become another source of inequality among nations. If technological progress benefits only a limited number of countries, we will not achieve the collective resilience that our region requires,” he said.
The Defence Minister called for greater cooperation in research, education, innovation and capacity building, particularly to help smaller maritime nations and developing countries benefit from technological advancements.
Referring to India’s development goals, Singh said the maritime sector would play a significant role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. He highlighted government initiatives to strengthen port infrastructure, improve connectivity, promote coastal economic activities and expand the maritime industrial base.
He also referred to the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 as a roadmap for developing a comprehensive maritime ecosystem through technology, research, innovation and skill development.
Emphasising environmental protection, Singh said economic growth and ecological responsibility must go hand in hand, adding that oceans could not be treated as unlimited sources of resources. He called for protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring that coastal communities remained central to development initiatives.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to an open, inclusive and rule-based maritime order, he highlighted the MAHASAGAR vision and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative as important frameworks for strengthening regional cooperation.
Singh urged participants to move beyond discussions and focus on practical outcomes through joint research, scientific networks, academic exchanges and affordable technological solutions.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, in his address, stressed the need for greater scientific cooperation and equitable access to research infrastructure and technology across the Indo-Pacific.
He called for collective investment in ocean science, sharing of scientific data, joint research initiatives and stronger regional institutions to address emerging maritime challenges.
The three-day Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026, organised by the Indian Navy in association with the National Maritime Foundation, began on November 3.
The event brought together senior military officials and maritime experts to deliberate on regional security, technological developments, ocean science and climate resilience.
Among those present were Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit and former Navy chiefs, including Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi (Retd).
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh also addressed a ministerial session and released an NMF publication titled ‘Alternative Hull Forms for the Future Indian Navy’. (KINS)