Maritime Research Center

In collaboration with the Indian Council of World Affairs, a two-day National Seminar on “Advancing Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) Framework for India's MAHASAGAR Vision and its Realization” was organized by the Maritime Research Centre @MRCPune at the MCCIA Trade Tower, Pune on 17-18 August 2026. ICWA Representative Araudra Singh @auro508, in his address at the Inaugural Session, observed India’s increased stakes around UDA- with China and Pakistan Navy's augmented regional submarine presence, heightened threats and vulnerabilities to marine environment, and undersea cables, besides imperatives for commercial exploitation. He provided a comprehensive review of India's approach towards UDA in terms of doctrinal thinking, institutional framework, and policy landscape, while examining industrial capabilities. Given that the stakes are likely to further in future, he suggested measures at the policy, institutional, and technology level that could be considered for expediting indigenisation of dual-use UDA capabilities. The two-day seminar featured an inaugural session, keynote speech, special address, and technical sessions interaction on various facets of UDA.

#ICWA Special Publication titled "Ten Years of the SAGAR Vision and its Realisation – A New Perspective based on Underwater Domain Awareness" by Cdr (Dr) Arnab Das @Arnab_UDA, Founder and Director, Maritime Research Center (MRC), Pune @MRCPune; Amb. Anup K. Mudgal, Former High Commissioner of India to Mauritius; Prof. P.V. Rao, Former Director, Indian Ocean Centre, Osmania University @osmania1917, Hyderabad; Ms. Jayseelan Cathrine, Shiv Nadar University; Mr. Akash Prasad, RF, MRC; Mr. Shridhar Prabhuraman, RF, MRC; Mr. Shlok Nemani, RF, MRC; Mr. Romit Rajendra Kaware, RF, MRC; Ms. Pradnya Kumbhare, RF, MRC; Dr. Radhika Seshan, Visiting Faculty, Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts, Pune; and Ms. Nishtha Vishwakarma, Head of Communications and Outreach, MRC, Pune. As we mark a decade since Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi articulated the #SAGAR vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region), India’s maritime journey has taken centre stage in shaping the future of the Indian Ocean Region (#IOR). The ocean today is not only an economic and strategic lifeline but also an ecological frontier, demanding fresh thinking and innovative frameworks. To mark this milestone, the Indian Council of World Affairs, in collaboration with the Maritime Research Centre, Pune, has released this Special Publication. It is a compendium of eleven chapters that integrates the Underwater Domain Awareness (#UDA) framework into the SAGAR doctrine, highlighting its role in maritime security, the blue economy, climate resilience, resource management, and regional diplomacy. From sustainable coastal practices and acoustic technologies to cultural heritage and community empowerment through initiatives like ‘100 Warriors’, the publication offers a holistic roadmap for India’s maritime future. This is not just a look back; it is a vision forward, blending strategy, sustainability, and innovation to shape the #MAHASAGAR outlook for the decades to come. Read more 👉 bit.ly/3V5WxSI

#ICWA held a Panel Discussion on "Maritime Domain Awareness in the Indo-Pacific Region" on 9 May 2025 at #SapruHouse. It was chaired by Capt. Sarabjeet Singh Parmar @Harpoonleader, Distinguished Fellow, Council for Strategic and Defence Research, New Delhi @CSDR_India. Capt. (Dr) Gurpreet Singh Khurana, Professor, Naval War College, Goa @InNwc; Mr. Abhijit Singh, Retired Naval Officer and Former Head Maritime Policy Initiative, Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi @orfonline; and Cdr (Dr) Arnab Das @Arnab_UDA, Founder and Director, Maritime Research Center, Pune @MRCPune were the panellists. Welcome remarks were delivered by Nutan Kapoor Mahawar, Additional Secretary, ICWA. Read full text of remarks by AS, ICWA 👉 bit.ly/3YEKuOl

📢Event Alert! 🗓️9 May'25 #ICWA will host a Panel Discussion on "Maritime Domain Awareness in the Indo-Pacific Region" on 9 May 2025 at 1530 hrs IST at #SapruHouse. It will be chaired by Capt. Sarabjeet Singh Parmar @Harpoonleader, Distinguished Fellow, Council for Strategic and Defence Research, New Delhi @CSDR_India. Mr. Abhijit Singh, Retired Naval Officer and Former Head Maritime Policy initiative, Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi @orfonline; Cdr (Dr) Arnab Das @Arnab_UDA, Founder and Director, Maritime Research Center, Pune @MRCPune; and Capt. (Dr) Gurpreet Singh Khurana, Professor, Naval War College, Goa @InNwc will be the panelists. Welcome Remarks will be delivered by Nutan Kapoor Mahawar, Additional Secretary, ICWA. Details 👉 bit.ly/432Txd0