INDIAN NAVY TO CONDUCT GOA MARITIME CONCLAVE 2026 AT NAVAL WAR COLLEGE, GOA

**Executive Summary** The fifth edition of the Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC-26) will be held at the Naval War College, Goa, on February 21, 2026. The conclave, a flagship strategic initiative of the Indian Navy, will host Chiefs of Navies, Heads of Maritime Forces, and senior representatives from 14 nations in the Indian Ocean Region. Shri Sanjay Seth, Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri, will be the Chief Guest at the Conclave. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Conclave Details:** * The Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC-26) is scheduled for February 21, 2026, at the Naval War College, Goa. * The theme is ‘Common Maritime Security Challenges in the IOR – Progressing Line of Efforts (LsoE) to Mitigate Dynamic Threats such as IUU Fishing and other Illegal Maritime Activities.' * **Participants:** * The conclave will be attended by Chiefs of Navies, Heads of Maritime Forces, and senior representatives from 14 nations: Bangladesh, Comoros, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Tanzania. * Shri Sanjay Seth, Hon'ble Raksha Rajya Mantri, will be the Chief Guest. * Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, will host the event. * Adm Arun Prakash (Retd), former Chief of the Naval Staff, will deliver the keynote address. * **Objectives and Focus:** * The conclave aims to generate outcome-oriented ideas and practical solutions to contemporary maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean Region. * It focuses on real-time exchange of maritime information and joint efforts to strengthen capacities and capabilities. * The conclave seeks to foster collaborative thinking and mutual understanding between India and key maritime nations of the IOR, in line with the MAHASAGAR vision. * **Maritime Challenges:** * The maritime domain in the IOR faces traditional and non-traditional challenges, including maritime terrorism, contraband smuggling, IUU fishing, piracy, armed robbery, irregular migration, climate change, and cyber threats. * The transnational and multidimensional nature of these threats requires enhanced cooperation. * **Event Format:** * The conclave is conducted biennially. * It is preceded by the Goa Maritime Symposium (GMS), which serves as a feeder event with working-level meetings. **Impact Analysis** **Indian Navy:** * **Impact:** The conclave strengthens the Indian Navy's strategic initiative in the Indian Ocean Region and enhances its role in shaping collaborative solutions to maritime security challenges. * **Action Required:** Host the conclave effectively, facilitate discussions, and implement collaborative solutions. **Participating Nations (Bangladesh, Comoros, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Tanzania):** * **Impact:** The conclave provides a platform to address common maritime security challenges and enhance cooperation with India. * **Action Required:** Attend the conclave, share experiences and insights, and participate in discussions to develop collaborative solutions. **Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Maritime Security Practitioners:** * **Impact:** The conclave serves as a premier platform for generating outcome-oriented ideas and practical solutions to contemporary maritime challenges, ultimately contributing to a safer and more secure maritime environment. * **Action Required:** Contribute to the discussions and collaborate on implementing solutions to maritime challenges.

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