INDO-PACIFIC REGIONAL DIALOGUE (IPRD)
Why in the News?
- The “Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2023” (IPRD-2023), the Indian Navy’s three-day annual apex-level regional strategic dialogue, commenced on November 15, 2023, in New Delhi.
- Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Honourable Vice President of India, served as the Chief Guest during the ‘Commemorative Session.’
Source: Universal Institute
Sequel to Goa Maritime Conclave 2023:
- Recent Naval Engagement: The IPRD follows the Goa Maritime Conclave 2023, held from October 29 to 31 in Goa.
- Strategic Levels: Goa Maritime Conclave focused on strategic-operational levels, while IPRD addresses holistic maritime security issues across the Indo-Pacific at the strategic level.
Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue
- Purpose: The IPRD is the Indian Navy’s annual high-level international conference, focusing on strategic discussions.
- Host and Organizer: Led by the National Maritime Foundation (NMF), serving as both the organizer and knowledge partner for the Indian Navy
- Inaugural Year: The concept of IPRD was conceived in 2018, marking the initiation of this significant annual dialogue.
- Geopolitical Focus:
IPRD serves as a platform to review current geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific region.
Aims to identify opportunities, dangers, and challenges prevalent in the region.
Theme of IPRD-2023:
“Geopolitical Impacts upon Indo-Pacific Maritime Trade and Connectivity”
Building upon Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) Pillars:
- Continuity:
This year’s theme builds upon the previous focus on ‘Operationalizing the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).’
- Specific Focus:
Addresses the ‘Trade, Connectivity, and Maritime Transport’ pillar of the IPOI, highlighting the interconnectedness of trade and maritime connectivity.
The National Maritime Foundation (NMF)
- The National Maritime Foundation (NMF) holds the distinction of being India’s first maritime think-tank.
- Functioning as an autonomous entity, the NMF is dedicated to conducting independent and policy-relevant research on maritime affairs.
- While autonomous, the NMF receives intellectual and organizational support for its development from the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Navy.
- The NMF is located in New Delhi.