The 14th Annual Dialogue between the National Maritime Foundation (NMF) and the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) was held on 04–05 February 2026 in Singapore, reaffirming a long-standing intellectual partnership amid growing strategic flux across the Indo-Pacific maritime domain.
Deliberations focused on the evolving trajectory of India–Singapore bilateral relations, particularly in the maritime and security spheres. Participants assessed emerging maritime security priorities in light of potential conflict and crisis scenarios, while also examining opportunities to advance Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) cooperation.
The Dialogue further addressed the implications of technological disruption for maritime operations and governance, alongside the expanding maritime impact of climate change on regional stability. Discussions underscored the importance of aligning strategic foresight with policy innovation to navigate increasingly complex and interlinked challenges.
The bilateral deliberations also considered various avenues for strengthening institutional cooperation between NMF and RSIS. These included potential trilateral research initiatives and collaborative convening on “blueing” the economy with think tanks across other ASEAN member states, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable maritime development and regional capacity-building.
Courtesy Call on the High Commissioner of India to Singapore
Prior to the Dialogue, the NMF delegation—led by Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan, AVSM & Bar, VSM (Retd), Director-General, NMF—paid a courtesy call on HE Dr Shilpak Ambule, High Commissioner of India to Singapore.
The interaction provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on the evolving trajectory of India–Singapore bilateral relations, as well as key maritime issues of mutual concern in the Indo-Pacific. Such engagements reinforce close coordination between strategic institutions and diplomatic leadership, ensuring that maritime dialogue remains anchored in policy relevance and regional realities.
As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve across the Indo-Pacific, sustained India–Singapore maritime engagement continues to provide clarity, continuity, and strategic alignment grounded in shared interests and a rules-based maritime order.
