Maritime Research Center

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Maritime Research Center The prime vision of the MRC is to be a nodal research center on maritime issues and contribute as a

We were delighted to welcome Prof. Rajendra Bahl, Professor of Underwater systems at IIT Delhi to the Maritime Research ...
03/10/2026

We were delighted to welcome Prof. Rajendra Bahl, Professor of Underwater systems at IIT Delhi to the Maritime Research Center, Pune, on September 28, 2026, for an interaction with our team on the evolving underwater and maritime domain.

During his visit, Prof. Bahl engaged with the MRC team, taking the time to understand our ongoing work under the Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) Framework. He shared valuable perspectives from his extensive experience in underwater signal processing, naval sonar, and related research, while encouraging deeper interdisciplinary thinking and technology-driven approaches to challenges in the underwater domain.

Prof. Bahl also interacted with Dr (Cdr) Arnab Das, Founder and Director, MRC, and met with Vice Adm DSP Varma (Retd), creating an opportunity for further exchange of ideas on underwater acoustics, research, technology development, and potential areas of collaboration.

We sincerely thank Prof. Bahl for visiting our center and sharing his valuable insights and experience, and engaging with our team in advancing research and innovation in the underwater domain.

WWF-India, Indian Navy, DRDO, Bharat Electronics Limited, a PSU under Min of Defence, GoI, Ministry of Earth Sciences Government of India.

📩 Explore our Q3 Newsletter: [https://t.ly/2699M]As we revisit our Quarter 3 2026 journey, we take a moment to reflec...
01/10/2026



📩 Explore our Q3 Newsletter: [https://t.ly/2699M]

As we revisit our Quarter 3 2026 journey, we take a moment to reflect on a period marked by key participation in international platforms, research, partnerships, inaugurations, knowledge exchange, and continued efforts to strengthen the Underwater Domain Awareness ( ) discourse.

This quarter, Maritime Research Center participated in three major global conferences, including the Indo-Pacific Minilateral Series FY26 in Bangkok, the UDC BRICS Business Summit 2026 in New Delhi, and the Taiwan International Ocean Conference 2026 in Taipei. These engagements provided opportunities to exchange perspectives on maritime security, regional cooperation, ocean resilience, technology, Blue Economy and the UDA Framework across the Indo-Pacific.

Another key highlight was the MRC–ICWA New Delhi National Seminar on “Advancing Underwater Domain Awareness Framework for India’s MAHASAGAR Vision and its Realization”, which was organised in Pune, Maharashtra and brought together senior dignitaries, experts, policymakers, researchers, and industry representatives to deliberate on UDA and strategic ocean governance.

We also launched the first-ever International Journal on Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA Journal), which currently includes 11 journal papers authored by our internal team and external expert contributors. The quarter also saw new contributions through platforms such as UDA Digest, UDA Knowledge Center, external publications, media interactions, and MRC videos.

Explore our Q3 Newsletter now!

Arnab Das, Directorate General of Shipping, India, UNIDO - United Nations Industrial Development Organization, BITS Pilani, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, incoismoes, NESA Center for Strategic Studies, World Trade Center - Pune, International Maritime Organization - IMO

🎥Watch our Founder and Director, Dr. (Cdr) Arnab Das, discuss the role and significance of Underwater Domain Awareness (...
29/09/2026

🎥Watch our Founder and Director, Dr. (Cdr) Arnab Das, discuss the role and significance of Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) and its related components on the South Asia Monitor (SAM) Conversations Podcast. https://t.ly/zze00

During the podcast, Dr Das spoke with Col. Anil Bhat (Retd.) about why understanding what happens beneath the surface is becoming essential to maritime security. The conversation also raised a larger strategic question: “How do you secure a domain that you cannot easily see, continually monitor and fully map?”

During the discussion, Dr Das also spoke about subsea cables, pipelines, naval infrastructure, underwater vehicles, and critical maritime ecosystems, and how they are all part of a domain that remains difficult to monitor, understand, and secure.

🎥Watch the latest episode of SAM Conversations for a deeper understanding of UDA and why what happens beneath the surface may increasingly shape what happens above it.

Maritime Research Center, Indian Navy, Directorate General of Shipping, India, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Ministry of Earth Sciences Government of India.

The Maritime Research Center (MRC) is pleased to present the UDA Summer Internship 2026 – Final Report, documenting a re...
28/09/2026

The Maritime Research Center (MRC) is pleased to present the UDA Summer Internship 2026 – Final Report, documenting a research-oriented capacity-building initiative that brought together undergraduate students from the top 4 IITs, BITS Pilani and St. Stephen’s College to explore contemporary challenges across the underwater domain.

Anchored in the Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) Framework, the UDA Summer Internship Programme gave students opportunities to engage with real-world research challenges spanning underwater acoustics, Marine Spatial Planning, environmental modelling, sediment management, biofouling, fisheries, aquaculture, and climate resilience.

Students from IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, BITS Pilani and St. Stephen’s College contributed to a diverse portfolio of research projects, supported by mentorship, expert interactions and knowledge-sharing opportunities.

The UDA Summer Internship Programme represents an investment in young talent, interdisciplinary research and the next generation of underwater and maritime researchers, while strengthening the wider UDA research ecosystem.

📖 Read the full report now to explore the research projects, mentorship, knowledge exchange, outcomes and recommendations for future cohorts. 🔗 [https://t.ly/XVYv1]

Arnab Das, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, incoismoes, Ministry of Earth Sciences Government of India,

We are pleased to share that our Founder and Director, Dr. (Cdr.) Arnab Das, participated in the World Maritime Day 2026...
26/09/2026

We are pleased to share that our Founder and Director, Dr. (Cdr.) Arnab Das, participated in the World Maritime Day 2026 event organised by the Kerala Maritime Board, in collaboration with Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited and Malabar International Port and SEZ Ltd., in Kochi, Kerala. The event was graced by the Honourable Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri V D Satheesan

During the event, Dr Das contributed to two key sessions. In Session 1, “Maritime is My Future,” he introduced the Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) Toolkit and highlighted the significance of Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) in shaping the future of the maritime domain. He also emphasised the need for a more holistic approach to challenges such as dredging and biofouling, particularly given the unique environmental and operational conditions of tropical waters.

In the second session, “Blue Economy, Oceanarium and Holistic Tourism,” Dr Das highlighted the importance of developing indigenous technologies and knowledge systems that are designed and adapted to local and tropical conditions, rather than relying solely on technologies developed in Western contexts. He also spoke about the need to further strengthen the Blue Economy's contribution to national economic growth.

The World Maritime Day 2026 event brought together stakeholders from diverse sectors, including government, ports, industry, defence, academia, research, seafarers, students and coastal communities, providing a valuable platform for dialogue on the future of India’s maritime sector.

📸 View glimpses from the event below.

Directorate General of Shipping, India, Cochin Port Authority, International Maritime Organization - IMO, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, Maritime Research Center.

Happy World Maritime Day 2026! ⚓🌊Theme: “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence”The maritime domain is ev...
24/09/2026

Happy World Maritime Day 2026! ⚓🌊
Theme: “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence”

The maritime domain is evolving rapidly, bringing together technology, science, security, sustainability and innovation. As we work towards a safer, more secure and sustainable maritime future, one element remains fundamental: people and their capabilities.

This World Maritime Day, the Maritime Research Center reaffirms its commitment to strengthening maritime awareness and building the next generation's capacity. From Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) and marine technology to maritime security, the Blue Economy, and ocean sciences, a growing spectrum of opportunities exists for young minds to contribute to the maritime sector.

🎓 To help college students discover these possibilities, MRC is also developing a 1-Day Career Counselling Programme designed to introduce students to emerging career pathways, interdisciplinary opportunities and the skills required to build a career in the maritime domain.

🌐 Link to the brochure is here: https://t.ly/3MAzs

Let us move from policy to practice, from knowledge to action, and from classrooms to careers.

Arnab Das, International Maritime Organization - IMO, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, NirDhwani Technology Pvt Ltd., Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Directorate General of Shipping, India, Ministry of Earth Sciences Government of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India, Indian Navy.

As technology becomes more accessible, the underwater domain is no longer the exclusive preserve of advanced naval fo...
23/09/2026



As technology becomes more accessible, the underwater domain is no longer the exclusive preserve of advanced naval forces. The growing availability of submersible technologies and diving equipment has opened new possibilities for exploration and innovation. On the contrary, it has led to emerging threats such as drug smuggling, submarine espionage, cable sabotage and underwater warfare.

In her Paper, Shradha Gajavelli, a Liberal Arts graduate from Symbiosis International Deemed University and former Maritime Research Center Intern, examines the evolving security challenges in the underwater domain and their potential impact across the social, economic, and political spheres.

The study also highlights gaps in existing policy and technology-based interventions and explores how the Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) framework can support a more comprehensive approach to underwater security, surveillance, and infrastructure protection.

📖 Read the latest research in the UDA Journal and explore how UDA can contribute to enhanced maritime security: [https://t.ly/QHTRJ]

Important Note: Please log in with your credentials to access the full paper.

Arnab Das, Indian Navy, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Ministry of Earth Sciences Government of India, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO.

22/09/2026

🎥 Watch the video to explore the science behind biofouling and the path towards more sustainable management.

In this session, Dr Varsha Kelkar Mane, Professor & Deputy Director, Centre for Excellence in Marine Studies (CEMS), University of Mumbai, explores marine biofouling from a biochemical and biotechnological perspective. She also draws an intriguing parallel between biofouling proteins and amyloid structures associated with neurodegenerative diseases, offering insights into why these attachments can be so resilient.

Importantly, biofouling is not simply a problem; it can support habitats, biodiversity, filtration and nutrient cycling.

This session from the recent Maritime Research Center-ICWA New Delhi event (held in August 2026) highlights the need for an integrated approach that combines biomimetic surfaces, physicochemical water management, systematic maintenance, and environmentally responsible antifouling practices.

Full video here 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGmXrPgSQ-M

Arnab Das, Ministry of Earth Sciences Government of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Indian Navy.

During his participation in the Indo-Pacific Minilateral Series FY26 in Bangkok, Thailand, this week, our Founder and Di...
19/09/2026

During his participation in the Indo-Pacific Minilateral Series FY26 in Bangkok, Thailand, this week, our Founder and Director, Dr. (Cdr) Arnab Das, was pleased to meet Shri Puneet Agrawal (IFS: 1997), Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Thailand.

The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on the evolving maritime landscape in the Indo-Pacific and the growing importance of strengthening cooperation among regional partners. Discussions also touched upon the significance of maritime security, Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA), technology-enabled approaches and greater knowledge sharing in addressing emerging challenges across the maritime domain.

Dr Das highlighted the importance of a comprehensive, collaborative approach to the underwater domain, bringing together maritime security, the Blue Economy, marine environmental sustainability, scientific research, technology and capacity building.

The interaction reaffirmed the value of continued dialogue and collaboration in advancing shared maritime interests and contributing towards a secure, sustainable and resilient Indo-Pacific.

India in Thailand (Embassy of India, Bangkok) , Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Ministry of Earth Sciences Government of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India, Indian Navy, International Maritime Organization - IMO, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO.

The Maritime Research Center is honoured to have participated in the Indo-Pacific Minilateral Series FY26 on “Maritime S...
17/09/2026

The Maritime Research Center is honoured to have participated in the Indo-Pacific Minilateral Series FY26 on “Maritime Security, Emerging Tools, and Enhanced Coordination,” hosted by the NESA Center for Strategic Studies from 14–16 September 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Our Founder and Director, Dr. (Cdr) Arnab Das, was a distinguished speaker during Module 6 on ‘Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA)’, moderated by Mr Jeffrey Payne, NESA. The session provided an important platform to discuss the growing significance of the underwater domain and the need for enhanced awareness, information sharing, technological capabilities and regional cooperation to address emerging maritime challenges.

Dr Das shared perspectives on the evolving underwater security environment and the importance of adopting a comprehensive UDA Framework that brings together maritime security, environmental sustainability, economic interests, scientific research, technology and capacity building.

The conference was conducted under the Chatham House Rule, enabling participants to engage in open, candid and constructive discussions while respecting the confidentiality of individual contributions.

We are grateful to NESA and Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies - YCAPS for providing this valuable platform for dialogue and collaboration and for bringing together diverse perspectives on the future of maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.

📸 Take a look at a few glimpses from the conference and Dr Das’s participation in the discussions.

Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Indian Navy, Ministry of Earth Sciences Government of India, India in Thailand (Embassy of India, Bangkok)

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Maritime Research Center, Koregaon Bhima
Pune
412216

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Monday 9:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5pm
Friday 9:30am - 5pm

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