RMSCE Concludes Maiden Maritime Security Course With Participants From 10 Countries

The Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (RMSCE) concluded its maiden short course on November 5, 2026, at the National Maritime Foundation in New Delhi, bringing together participants from 10 partner countries for discussions on regional maritime security.

The programme was conducted under the Maritime Security Pillar of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and focused on strengthening regional capacity, information sharing and cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.

The RMSCE is an India-UK initiative implemented through the National Maritime Foundation and King’s College London.

Participants From 10 Partner Countries

The inaugural course included participants from:

• Indonesia

• Kenya

• Malaysia

• Maldives

• Mauritius

• Seychelles

• Singapore

• Sri Lanka

• Tanzania

• Thailand

The programme brought together maritime practitioners from South Asia, Southeast Asia and the western Indian Ocean region.

Maritime Domain Awareness and Ocean Governance Discussed

Participants held discussions covering several areas of contemporary maritime security, including Maritime Domain Awareness, ocean governance, public international maritime law and combined operations.

The RMSCE has been established to address issues including maritime governance, maritime awareness, emerging technologies, international maritime law, capacity building and regional cooperation.

Participants Visit IFC-IOR

As part of the course, participants also visited the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).

They were briefed on the centre’s operational capabilities and its role in sharing information about maritime incidents and activities at sea.

The IFC-IOR has developed international linkages aimed at improving maritime situational awareness and supporting cooperation among regional partners.

RMSCE Part of Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative

The RMSCE maritime security course forms part of India’s wider Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.

The IPOI was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the East Asia Summit in Bangkok in November 2019 and is organised around several interconnected maritime pillars, including maritime security.

The RMSCE specifically operates under the Maritime Security pillar and is intended to strengthen regional knowledge, training and cooperation.

India and UK Jointly Back the Centre

The RMSCE was created through cooperation between India and the United Kingdom.

The National Maritime Foundation and King’s College London signed an agreement in June 2026 to establish the centre in New Delhi, combining NMF’s maritime expertise with King’s College London’s academic and security research capabilities.

The initiative is also supported by India’s Ministry of External Affairs and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Centre Formally Launched in October

The centre’s activities were formally launched on October 30, 2026, at the National Maritime Foundation.

India’s Secretary (East) highlighted the need for collaborative action to strengthen a rules-based maritime order and safeguard global commons across the Indo-Pacific.

Focus on Regional Capacity Building

The RMSCE is designed not only as a research institution but also as a platform for practical training, workshops, policy dialogue and specialised courses.

Its stated objectives include improving understanding of emerging maritime threats and strengthening the ability of regional partners to coordinate responses.

The centre is also expected to support cooperation between government institutions, maritime forces, academics and security specialists.

Maritime Cooperation Gains Importance

The conclusion of the first RMSCE maritime security course comes as India continues to expand maritime cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.

The programme coincided with the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026, held in New Delhi from November 3 to 5, where officials and experts from multiple countries discussed science, technology, ocean governance and maritime resilience.

The maiden course marks an early operational step for the RMSCE as India and its partners seek to build stronger regional capacity for maritime security and information sharing.