Indian Ocean Region

November 4, 2026 8:36 AM

Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026 begins in New Delhi, focuses on science and technology cooperation

The Indian Navy’s annual apex-level international strategic dialogue, the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026 (IPRD-2026), commenced in New Delhi on November 3, with a focus on translating scientific advancement and institutional partnerships into practical regional cooperation. Organised in association with the National Maritime Foundation (NMF), the Navy’s knowledge partner, the three-day conference is being held on the theme ‘Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation in the Indo-Pac...

November 3, 2026 10:43 PM

Indian, Sri Lanka Coast Guards hold 9th High-Level Meeting to strengthen maritime cooperation

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) held their 9th High-Level Meeting (HLM) at Mirissa, Sri Lanka, on November 3, with a focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation in maritime safety, security and environmental protection. The Indian delegation was led by Paramesh Sivamani, Director General, Indian Coast Guard, while the Sri Lankan delegation was headed by Rear Admiral Ruwan Rupasena, Director General, Sri Lanka Coast Guard. The meeting focused on key areas of mutua...

October 29, 2026 6:21 PM

Trio of Indian Navy’s first training squadron ships concludes visit to Sri Lanka

Three ships of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron, INS Tir, INS Sujata and ICGS Sarathi, set sail from Sri Lanka on the morning of 29 October, following a successful official visit and a joint Passage Exercise – PASSEX, in the western seas. During their visit, the Indian crews and officer under-trainees engaged in professional exchange programmes, operational observation tours and friendly sports events organised by the Sri Lanka Navy, strengthening bilateral ties. Among the highlig...

October 28, 2026 12:00 AM

Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise Concludes, Strengthens Maritime Cooperation

The 33rd edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-2026), hosted by the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam, concluded on 26 October 2026, further strengthening longstanding maritime cooperation and operational engagement between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). As part of the bilateral engagement, Colonel Bertram Ang, Fleet Commander of the RSN, called on RAdm Vishal Bishnoi, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet. The two exchanged professional views ...

October 12, 2026 7:24 PM

INS Tarkash to Participate in IBSAMAR IX 2026 to Strengthen Trilateral Maritime Cooperation

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tarkash, a frontline guided-missile stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, is on an overseas deployment to South Africa to participate in the ninth edition of the India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime (IBSAMAR) Exercise 2026. The trilateral exercise brings together the Indian, Brazilian and South African Navies to enhance interoperability, strengthen maritime cooperation and promote mutual understanding among the participating forces. Focus on Maritime Security in the Indian O...

October 2, 2026 1:06 AM

INS Tarkash arrives at Mombasa, Kenya for goodwill port call

Indian Naval Ship Tarkash, a frontline stealth frigate, arrived at Mombasa, Kenya, on September 29 for a goodwill port call as part of her deployment. The visit underscores the longstanding and multifaceted relationship between India and Kenya, two maritime nations connected by historical, cultural and people-to-people ties. India and Kenya share a long history of maritime engagement across the Indian Ocean. As key maritime nations, both countries remain committed to fostering maritime ties and...

October 1, 2026 2:31 PM

India hosts 9th Deputy National Security Advisers’ meeting of Colombo Security Conclave

India on Wednesday hosted the 9th Deputy National Security Adviser (DNSA)-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) virtually, with Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka and Seychelles participating in the discussions. The meeting reviewed the decisions taken at the 7th National Security Adviser-level meeting of the CSC, held in New Delhi on November 20, 2025. Member States also reviewed the Roadmap for Cooperation and Activities for 2025-2026 and noted the substantial progress...

September 29, 2026 5:11 PM

India first responder, preferred security partner in Indian Ocean Region: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday described India as a “First Responder” and “Preferred Security Partner” in the Indian Ocean Region, asserting that the country’s growing maritime presence and responsibilities require stronger surveillance and response mechanisms. Addressing the second edition of the Indian Navy’s biannual Commanders’ Conference 2026 at Nausena Bhawan in New Delhi, Singh said India’s strategic position and responsibilities in the region were growing amid...

September 9, 2026 8:20 PM

Secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation vital for Indian Ocean security and prosperity: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for stronger maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, stressing that secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation, respect for international law and unhindered maritime trade are essential for the collective security and economic prosperity of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Addressing a gathering at Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence in Colombo on Wednesday, Singh said India and Sri Lanka, as close maritime partners, were well positioned to work toge...

July 10, 2026 10:24 PM

India is primary guarantor of peace and stability in Indian Ocean Region: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday asserted that India has emerged as the primary guarantor of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), highlighting the Indian Navy's pivotal role in safeguarding the country's maritime interests amid an increasingly complex global security environment. Addressing naval personnel during a Barakhana in Visakhapatnam on the eve of the commissioning of INS Mahendragiri, the sixth indigenous Project 17A stealth frigate, Singh praised the Navy for ...