India proposes ocean data sharing, maritime AI network for Indo-Pacific

India's Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has put forward a comprehensive initiative to strengthen collaboration among Indo-Pacific nations, centering on maritime technology and ocean governance. The proposal encompasses four key pillars designed to foster regional cooperation in critical maritime domains.

The framework prioritizes establishing an ocean data exchange mechanism that would enable participating nations to share maritime information systematically. This initiative aims to improve situational awareness across the region and facilitate better coordination on naval and maritime matters. Complementing this is a proposal to develop an artificial intelligence network dedicated to maritime applications, which would enhance surveillance, navigation, and threat detection capabilities across Indo-Pacific waters.

Pollution monitoring emerges as another critical component, reflecting growing environmental concerns in regional waters. The initiative proposes collaborative mechanisms to track and address marine pollution, leveraging shared data and technological resources. Additionally, Singh has suggested strengthening academic and research partnerships to build long-term expertise in maritime sciences and ocean management.

The proposals reflect India's strategic interest in promoting stability and cooperative frameworks in the Indo-Pacific region. By combining technological innovation with institutional cooperation, the initiative seeks to address transnational maritime challenges while building trust among regional partners through transparent information sharing and joint research endeavors.