The 2024 edition of the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) will take place from October 3 to 5 in New Delhi, bringing together a host of global experts and stakeholders to address the complex issues surrounding maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. Organized by the Indian Navy in collaboration with the National Maritime Foundation (NMF), the IPRD has evolved into a premier platform for strategic-level discussions on the region’s most pressing challenges.
Strategic Importance of the IPRD
The IPRD serves as the Indian Navy’s flagship international engagement event at the strategic level, complementing operational-level initiatives like the Goa Maritime Symposium. The Goa Maritime Symposium, held just a few weeks prior, focused on cooperative engagement in the Indian Ocean region, but the IPRD delves deeper into broader Indo-Pacific concerns, particularly maritime security.
This year’s edition, IPRD-2024, focuses on the theme “Resource-Geopolitics and Security in the Indo-Pacific,” emphasizing the role of marine resources and resource-sharing in shaping regional geopolitics. This thematic focus comes at a critical time when dwindling fish stocks, the race for valuable minerals like cobalt and lithium, and the exploration of renewable energy sources are increasingly driving geopolitical strategies.
Addressing Resource-Geopolitics
The core significance of IPRD-2024 lies in its attention to resource-geopolitics, particularly how traditional and emerging marine resources are influencing global power dynamics. Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing has become a major issue as fish stocks decline, leading to tensions in areas beyond national jurisdictions. At the same time, competition for rare earth elements such as neodymium and tellurium, which are critical for renewable energy technologies, has intensified.
Additionally, the conference will address the ongoing race for hydrocarbons and more unconventional energy resources like oceanic hydrogen. These developments are crucial as countries across the Indo-Pacific seek to secure their energy needs while transitioning away from fossil fuels.
IPRD-2024 will gather experts from over 20 countries to analyze these mega-trends and propose policy options to mitigate the risks associated with resource-driven competition. The dialogue will explore avenues for cooperation, collaboration, and alternative approaches to managing the region’s shared marine resources.
A Platform for Global Thought Leaders
A highlight of the event will be the Commemorative Address delivered by India’s Defense Minister, Rajnath Singh. In addition, the event will feature a series of Special Addresses by distinguished global leaders, ensuring that the discussions incorporate diverse perspectives on Indo-Pacific geopolitics.
The conference will also see the participation of a wide range of stakeholders, including members of the diplomatic corps, think tanks, academics, and research scholars. Their collective input will enrich the discussions and help shape future maritime security strategies in the Indo-Pacific region.