Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2026

24 Oct 2026

Tags: Prelims   Current events of national and international importance

Source: The Hindu

Context: The Indian Navy will host IPRD in New Delhi, November 3–5, 2026, with participants from 18 countries.

  • Theme: Science, Technology, and Academic Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
  • Nature: Indian Navy’s principal strategic outreach initiative.
  • Focus areas: Maritime research, ocean governance, climate resilience and emerging technologies.
  • Inaugural address: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to deliver the commemorative address.
  • Indo-Pacific: A geopolitical and strategic region spanning the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
  • India’s maritime cooperation: The SAGAR vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region) emphasises maritime security, regional cooperation and sustainable development.

Prelims Question

Q1. With reference to India's maritime initiatives and the Indo-Pacific, consider the following statements:

  1. The Indo-Pacific is a geographical and strategic construct that links the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
  2. India's SAGAR vision emphasises maritime security, regional cooperation and sustainable development.
  3. The Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue is organised as India's principal strategic outreach initiative by the Ministry of External Affairs.
  4. Maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific can encompass ocean governance, climate resilience and emerging technologies in addition to traditional naval security.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (b) 

Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is correct: The Indo-Pacific connects the Indian and Pacific Ocean regions and is important for maritime trade, security and strategic cooperation.
  • Statement 2 is correct: SAGAR stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region and reflects India's approach to maritime security and regional development.
  • Statement 3 is incorrect: IPRD is the Indian Navy's principal strategic outreach initiative, not an initiative organised by the Ministry of External Affairs as stated.
  • Statement 4 is correct: Contemporary maritime cooperation includes scientific research, ocean governance, climate resilience and technological collaboration alongside conventional security concerns.