Birth of Peace & Security In the Indo-Pacific Region: Significance of Ideas and Thoughts

By Ratna Singh

A land from the East Coast of Africa to Western shores of America, holding the tropical water of the Indian Ocean and the Western and Central Pacific Ocean, is blessed with Natural Resources known as the INDO-PACIFIC REGION. For a long time, this region has suffered from Socio-Economic and Environmental Issues, which have also affected the neighbours of this space. More than 40% of the world’s population lives here, it produces 60% of GDP, it has ⅔ of global growth, and geography has 65% of the oceans and 25% of the land. Undoubtedly, the region has to be the centre of focus of the US, Europe and Asia-Pacific Countries, which is beneficial but also the beginning of conflicts. Mr. Frank Bainimarama, Prime Minister of Fiji

Said in the Pacific Island Forum, 2019, that  “We cannot protect our people or our resources if global rivalries turn our Blue Pacific into a battlefield."

With every rotation of the Earth, the tension is increasing and impacts are focused on people and the planet. 

Can an Indo-Pacific Peace Forum be a saviour? A vital question was raised in the conference hall of 250+ individuals, including Subject experts, Diplomats, policymakers, Social workers and Youths at the India International Centre, New Delhi, India. People agreed that conversation and discussion on various issues of the Indo-Pacific will definitely be a path of peace and support for future generations. 

International Conference on Indo-Pacific Peace Conference, New Delhi

On 19th and 20th March 2025, the Indo-Pacific Peace Forum organised a conference on Peace and Security in the Indo-Pacific region: Significance of Ideas and Thoughts.  The Governor of Mizoram, General (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Singh, as a Chief Guest on day one, mentions the importance of the region as the largest resource for us, and urges us to utilise it sustainably so that the future can be secured. In a world where everyone is demanding the solution, this forum inspires to become the solution. The president of IPPF Dr. Markandey Rai ignited the idea of Culture brotherhood as a stone solution for Indo-Pacific, he further elaborated on the significance of Blue Economy that Indian and Pacific Ocean is generating it is a strong pillar for developing nations but overfishing is disturbing the aquatic life, biogeographic distribution of those species it disturbed the ecological balance.

If we are concerned about the 40% of the population there, then action should also be taken for 75% of marine species. The president said that the conference will conclude a Delhi Declaration with a three-year road map for action. 

A Comprehensive literature on Peace and Security is launched and given to guests as a vision for the future. The book is a collection of conflicts and solutions in the Indo-Pacific Region, which aims to become a weapon for the future generation. 

Book - Peace and Security in the Indo-Pacific Region: Shaping Stability by Dr. Priyaranjan Trivedi and Dr. Markandey Rai

Launch of the Peace and Security in the Indo-Pacific Region: Shaping Stability by Dr. Priyaranjan Trivedi and Dr. Markandey Rai

In this movement of Peacebuilding Indian Diaspora can be a crucial pillar for connectivity and promotion of its strategic presence, cultural influence, and strong transnational networks. Spread across key nations such as Australia, Singapore, Fiji, the United States, and Gulf countries, Indian communities serve as bridges between cultures and governments, promoting dialogue and mutual understanding.  Said Dr. Priyaranjan Trivedi, President of the Confederation of Indian Universities. 

He also suggested that there should be Indo-Pacific Research Centres and ambassadors in the countries, so that we can talk more about the issue.

Along with all the factual solutions and informations we cannot leave the spirituality behind, as India is taking the lead for the security of this vast and prominent region so few leaders also mentions how Peace Education among young students can be secure the upcoming conflicts, these education has to be practical because just theoretical knowledge is not a correct growth. Sai H.H. Acharya Lokesh Muni Ji Maharaj. 

India has eight countries at its corners, surrounded by the Indian Ocean in the south Arabian Sea to the southwest, and the Bay of Bengal to the southeast. Geography and Land push sometimes for geopolitical challenges; thus, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already begun the movement of ‘Bhaichara’ and a true Peace Ambassador with our allies and increasing trade, cultural exchange, and cybersecurity. India’s Indo-Pacific policy has been to strengthen partnerships with like-minded countries and form issue-based coalitions to address a new strategic and security environment. India has been known mainly for its soft power credentials and its long cultural and civilizational links to this region.

Geopolitics, Security, and Economic Landscape

Chairperson: Ambassador Ketan Shukla

The first session of the Indo-Pacific Peace Forum 2025 delved into the intricate dynamics of geopolitics, security, and economic development in the region. Opening with a presentation by Nihar, the importance of economic independence and inclusive growth was underscored as foundational to regional peace and stability. Jagjit Singh introduced a vision for a reimagined QUAD 2.0, emphasising its role in disaster management and India’s diplomatic balancing act with China at upcoming summits. Subhashree expanded on India’s Indo-Pacific strategy, highlighting initiatives such as SAGAR and Act East, Build Infrastructure (ABB), while calling attention to challenges like trade deficits and restricted supply chains. Ambassador Ketan Shukla, chairing the session, explored the shifting global power structure and stressed the relevance of India’s traditional diplomatic principles, including the Saptang Theory. He advocated for a blend of self-reliance through Swadeshi and strategic global partnerships, spotlighting the Sagar Mala initiative and the strategic significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as counters to China’s BRI. Dr. Deepak Vohra offered a realist view of China’s expanding influence, urging India to respond with strength and innovation, particularly in AI and startup development. Dr. Sujata Aishwarya concluded with insights into India’s evolving foreign policy, focusing on strategic autonomy, climate action, cybersecurity, and the effective use of exclusive partnerships (positional goods) to elevate India’s global stature. The session collectively emphasised that a balanced, multi-pronged approach—combining economic resilience, strategic diplomacy, and robust security frameworks—is vital for India to maintain its leadership role in the Indo-Pacific region.

Role of Indian Diaspora in Promoting Peace and Security in the Indo-Pacific

Chairperson: Professor Ajay Kumar Dubey

The second session of the conference explored the multifaceted role of the Indian diaspora in advancing peace, security, and development across the Indo-Pacific region. Chairperson Professor Ajay Kumar Dubey highlighted the diaspora as a vital bridge in diplomacy, maritime security, and cultural engagement. Dr. Rahul Verma offered a spiritual perspective, emphasising that inner peace and humanitarian values within diaspora communities contribute significantly to social harmony. A.K. Merchant outlined the global footprint of the Indian diaspora—32 million strong across 136 countries—and its influence on economic, political, and cultural fronts, particularly in regions like Singapore. Dr. Vijay Ketan Pratihari discussed the diaspora as a vehicle of India’s soft power, citing examples from Indonesia, Mauritius, and the U.S., where cultural heritage and diplomatic influence have been particularly impactful. Dr. Sushmita Rajwar examined the East African context, detailing the diaspora’s contributions to economic development and governance, tracing roots back to Mahatma Gandhi’s civil rights activism in South Africa. Dr. Rajneesh Gupta and Dr. Sakai placed this diaspora-driven influence within broader historical and geopolitical frameworks, underlining India’s rise as a democratic superpower distinguished by non-violence and strategic diplomacy. Paper presentations reinforced the theme of global interconnectedness, people-to-people diplomacy, and the need for love, justice, and universal brotherhood, as echoed in Mr. Fateh’s address. The Q&A session delved into pressing geopolitical issues such as China’s growing naval activity, Taiwan’s sovereignty, and diaspora-led policy influence. Concluding the session, Professor Dubey called for a unified, compassionate vision of the diaspora as part of a "one world, one family" approach, essential for building lasting international partnerships. This session affirmed the Indian diaspora’s strategic importance in shaping global peace, security, and India’s foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific.

Maritime Security, Trade, and Transport

Session 3 focused on the evolving maritime dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting strategic connectivity, security, and sustainability. Dr. Krishnan and Krishnendramena presented the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) as a transformative initiative enhancing trade, infrastructure, and geopolitical balance, especially for India, Europe, the U.S., and West Asia.

Dr. Markadey Rai is addressing the panel

Dr. Subhmitra Dutta emphasised the growing security challenges faced by Pacific Island nations, including climate threats, deep-sea mining, and biodiversity loss. She underscored the need for sustainable maritime practices through the Green and Blue Pacific frameworks.

Dr. Rahul Mishra discussed Southeast Asia’s environmental degradation from illegal mining and geopolitical tensions involving the U.S., China, and regional powers like India and Japan.

Dr. Rishi Gupta highlighted the strategic importance of protecting undersea cables and digital infrastructure, citing India’s growing role in regional crisis response and global supply chain security.

Chairperson Rajesh Kharadji called for stronger advocacy of maritime law and cooperation, linking modern efforts with the legacy of ancient maritime civilisations.

One Korea Campaign

This session explored the path to Korean reunification through political, cultural, spiritual, and feminist lenses, while also highlighting India’s potential as a diplomatic bridge between the two Koreas.

Amb. Virendra Gupta emphasised the need to shift from rigid geopolitics to people-driven peacebuilding. He underscored India’s balanced relations with both Koreas and advocated for using culture, youth engagement, and civil society, including tools like Bollywood and Yoga, as bridges for peace.

Prof. Satyanshu Srivastava traced India’s pivotal role in the 1953 ceasefire and highlighted the continuing ideological and economic divide between North and South Korea. He called for a formal peace treaty and proposed joint economic initiatives and social campaigns to support reunification, especially through youth and cultural exchange.

Mr. Ingill Ra

Ingill Ra emphasised spiritual values and education in unification, suggesting the One Korea Dream be integrated into school curricula. He noted India’s neutrality and cultural depth could empower youth-led peace initiatives. The strong relation of India and Korea is phenomenal and will guide the coming generation. 

Dr. Sonali Gokhale proposed space diplomacy as a new avenue for cooperation, citing the potential of treaties and shared goals in space exploration as neutral grounds for dialogue.

Mr. Ram Rohan Panta brought attention to the emotional and human rights dimensions of reunification, stressing the impact on divided families and the promise of freedom and dignity for all Koreans.

Anamika presented a feminist perspective, advocating for inclusive peacebuilding and highlighting the marginalisation of women in formal negotiations. She emphasised demilitarisation and grassroots activism as core strategies.

Relevant Peace Initiatives and Prospects for Peace in the Indo-Pacific 

This session examined diverse strategies for fostering peace across the Indo-Pacific, integrating diplomacy, education, economics, and community-driven models.

Amb. Gurjeet Singh emphasised the need to turn broad strategic concepts like the Indo-Pacific and QUAD into functional, people-centred initiatives. Peace must be embedded in education, dialogue, and cultural exchanges to build long-term trust.

Prof. Yoichiro Sato

Prof. Yoichiro Sato highlighted the importance of preparing future leaders through problem-solving, adaptability, and diplomacy training. He called for deeper bilateral cooperation and stressed student exchange between Japan and ASEAN as a catalyst for cross-cultural peacebuilding.

Areeba underlined the role of economic diplomacy, shared values, and inclusive narratives in achieving sustainable peace. She advocated for greater Indo-Japanese cooperation under the Indo-Pacific Peace Forum (IPPF), and the use of trade, tariffs, and cybersecurity as peace tools.

Taieri introduced a novel framework for assessing peace-related investments—HIPPO (Hidden), KIPPO (Known), THIPPO (Threatening), JIPPO (Globalisation), and DIPPO (Disappointment). Currently, the region is in the DIPPO phase, needing grassroots-driven transformation through social entrepreneurship and voluntary conflict resolution cells.

A.K. argued that peace begins with shifts in leadership behaviour and policy-making. He stressed the need for Joint Peace Responsibility (JPR) mechanisms to handle evolving strategic threats. Initiatives like Sankalp Bharat could empower youth to drive change, while lessons from global peace efforts should be integrated into local policies.

Blue Economy, SDGs & Regional Development

Chair: Dr. H.R.P. Yadav

This session explored the Blue Economy as a vital driver for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

Key Insights:

Dr. H.R.P. Yadav emphasised that the Blue Economy faces critical challenges such as a shortage of skilled manpower, ocean pollution (BOD/COD), overfishing, and the impacts of climate change on marine biodiversity.

Ranjit Sinha highlighted India’s Sagar Mala Project and the Indian Ocean Rim Association’s (IORA) efforts to develop sustainable maritime infrastructure. While small-scale fisheries are vital, their unchecked expansion poses risks to long-term sustainability.

Aishwarya traced the evolution of the Blue Economy from 1995 to its inclusion in UN discussions in 2012. She outlined six key sectors: fisheries, marine energy, maritime transport, coastal tourism, climate mitigation, and aquaculture. Political instability in the Indian Ocean region remains a barrier to sustainable development.

Manoj Srivastava stressed the importance of investment in research and policy reform to build equitable and resilient maritime economies.

Rekha Udit called for greater youth and women’s participation in maritime sustainability and peacebuilding. She recommended platforms for cross-cultural dialogue and youth-led initiatives.

Bela Gandhi advocated for inclusive, multi-stakeholder collaboration to address resource conflicts and geopolitical tensions through dialogue rather than rivalry.

Conclusion:

The Indo-Pacific Peace Forum Conference 2025 offered a multi-dimensional exploration of peacebuilding in the region, weaving together strategic, economic, cultural, and humanitarian perspectives. From fostering Korean reunification and promoting feminist and youth-led peace efforts to leveraging education, diplomacy, and the Blue Economy for sustainable development, the sessions highlighted the importance of inclusive, people-centric approaches. India’s evolving role as a diplomatic and developmental partner was emphasised throughout, alongside the need for cross-border cooperation, regional frameworks, and grassroots participation. Together, these insights present a roadmap for a peaceful, prosperous, and resilient Indo-Pacific.