Understanding Maritime Security as a 'Dynaxic Challenge': Indian Navy Chief's Vision for Indo-Pacific Cooperation

Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi addressed the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2025, highlighting that maritime security extends beyond mere threat containment.

New Delhi:

At the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2025, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi emphasized that maritime security must transcend the conventional approach of threat containment in our era of shifting alliances and interconnected challenges.

Admiral Tripathi introduced the concept of a "Dynaxic Challenge" – simultaneously dynamic and complex – during his speech at the three-day naval conclave held at the Manekshaw Centre from October 28-30.

"Throughout history, seas have served as humanity's oldest highways, transporting not just commerce and culture, but curiosity and courage," Admiral Tripathi stated.

He noted that oceans have historically shaped national destinies and humanity's future, representing our collective shared fate.

The Navy Chief further revealed plans to enhance the capacity of the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram, which currently hosts 15 international liaison officers (ILOs), with aims to accommodate approximately 50 ILOs by 2028.

Established by the government in 2018, the IFC-IOR promotes collaborative maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, aligning with India's maritime vision.

Admiral Tripathi acknowledged the diverse participation of over 30 international delegates at the conclave, reflecting shared commitment to collectively shaping the Indo-Pacific's future through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual trust.

He identified three factors making the maritime domain "dynaxic," emphasizing that maritime security and growth function as twin propellers driving collective progress toward peace and prosperity.

First, commercial disruption poses significant challenges. Global seaborne trade growth is projected to decrease to 0.5 percent in 2025, down from 2.2 percent in 2024, indicating strategic vulnerability. The Red Sea crisis demonstrates how disruption at a single chokepoint affects global freight indices, insurance costs, and food prices.

Second, transnational turbulence manifests in activities blurring the boundaries between competition, crime, and conflict. Illegal fishing, piracy, trafficking, and human smuggling have become major maritime stressors, compounded by climate-related challenges like rising sea levels and marine pollution.

"The maritime domain reflects our times' broader disorder, requiring collective solutions that transcend jurisdictional boundaries," Admiral Tripathi stated.

Third, disruptive technologies have eliminated traditional barriers. Artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and commercial satellites are transforming maritime awareness and response strategies. However, technological advancement brings vulnerabilities, with IFC-IOR assessments recording near-daily incidents of GPS jamming and electronic interference in the Indian Ocean Region.

The IPRD represents the Navy's premier international outreach event, organized with the National Maritime Foundation (NMF), bringing together leaders, policymakers, diplomats, and experts to address security and development issues in the Indo-Pacific.

The 2025 edition focuses on "Promoting Holistic Maritime Security and Growth: Regional Capacity-Building and Capacity Enhancement."

As India's maritime power manifestation, the Navy leads efforts to operationalize the national maritime vision through collaboration with regional partners.

Admiral Tripathi advocated for an integrated approach combining deterrence, governance, law enforcement, environmental stewardship, and humanitarian response. He acknowledged that maritime challenges often have local characteristics, requiring context-sensitive solutions rather than universal approaches.

The Navy Chief concluded by expressing hope that the conclave would help navigate beyond present turbulence toward a secure and sustainable maritime future.