National 04 November 2026
Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2026 Commences in New Delhi; Focuses on Science and Tech Cooperation
Why in the News?
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, 2026.
Key Features / Major Points:
- Theme & Organizer:
- Organised in association with the **National Maritime Foundation (NMF)**, the Navy’s primary knowledge partner.
- Theme for IPRD-2026: **“Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific”**.
- Key Addresses:
- Inaugural address delivered by **Adm Dinesh K Tripathi (Retd)**, Chairman of NMF and former Chief of the Naval Staff.
- Special address delivered by **VAdm Biswajit Dasgupta (Retd)**, National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC), Government of India.
- Technical Sessions & Monograph Launch:
- Session 1 focused on Academic Networks and Research; concluded with the release of a monograph titled **'Sea Blindness and Maritime Heritage in India'**.
- Session 2 highlighted Maritime Situational Awareness (MSA), protection of critical undersea infrastructure, and operationalizing the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA).
- Diplomatic Interaction ('Sahyog Ka Samvaad'):
- Featured a special ambassadorial dialogue titled **'Sahyog Ka Samvaad'**, involving high-ranking diplomats from Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Norway.
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Static GK Facts:
- Indian Navy:
- Navy Day: **December 4** | Motto: **"Shaṁ No Varuṇaḥ" (May the Lord of Water be auspicious unto us)**.
- National Maritime Foundation (NMF):
- Established: **2005** | Headquarters: **New Delhi** | Director-General: **VAdm Pradeep Chauhan (Retd)**.
- India’s chief non-governmental maritime think-tank.
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: Where was the Indian Navy's apex international strategic dialogue 'IPRD-2026' hosted?
A: New Delhi
Q: What is the theme of the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026 (IPRD-2026)?
A: Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific
Q: Which monograph was released during the inaugural session of IPRD-2026?
A: Sea Blindness and Maritime Heritage in India
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