The Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2024 (IPRD-2024), a pivotal three-day strategic conference, concluded on October 5 in New Delhi. Organized by the Indian Navy, this annual event drew participation from a diverse group of experts, senior officers from the Indian Armed Forces, government officials, scholars, and the public, fostering an inclusive platform for discourse on pressing issues in the Indo-Pacific region.
Held from October 3 to 5, the conference centered on the theme “Resource-Geopolitics and Security in the Indo-Pacific,” with particular emphasis on the region’s significant marine resources, including offshore hydrocarbons, fish, and seabed minerals. Over twenty countries were represented, with distinguished speakers sharing regional perspectives and analyses on various marine resource challenges.
The opening day featured a ‘Professional Session’ where Kanwal Sibal, former Foreign Secretary and Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, delivered a Special Address. This was followed by panel discussions involving eminent scholars from Southeast and East Asia, offering insights into the interconnected themes of resource-geopolitics and security. A notable highlight was the ‘Chaupal ki Charcha’ session, where heads of missions from Australia, the European Union, France, and Indonesia engaged in a dynamic conversation on the conference’s overarching theme.
Day two comprised sessions exploring cooperative strategies between India and Japan, as well as India and the UK, alongside discussions on the evolving resource-geopolitical landscape in South and West Asia. Presentations from participants representing Australia, Sri Lanka, the EU, India, and Papua New Guinea illustrated how regional geopolitics is increasingly influenced by marine resources.
The significance of IPRD-2024 was further emphasized by high-profile addresses, including a Commemorative Address by Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister, and a special address by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff. These contributions articulated India’s commitment to fostering a rules-based, safe, and secure Indo-Pacific, prioritizing cooperation over conflict.
On the final day, General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, delivered a Special Address, followed by discussions on marine resources and maritime security pertinent to Southern and Eastern Africa and West Asia. The concluding session addressed key issues regarding marine resources in the Western Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, and South China Sea. Additionally, a ‘Breakout Session’ for officers from the Indian Armed Forces allowed for an exploration of the military aspects of resource-geopolitics, featuring participation from both serving and retired naval officers from India, Germany, Italy, and the United States.
IPRD-2024 not only aimed to identify the challenges within resource-geopolitics but also sought actionable solutions to guide policymaking at various levels. The event was organized by the National Maritime Foundation (NMF) in New Delhi, which serves as the Indian Navy’s knowledge partner. Notably, during the conference, the NMF signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the HORN International Institute for Strategic Studies in Kenya and released six new publications.
