ORCA's Director Ms. Eerishika Pankaj was invited to participate as a speaker at the two-day Colombo Maritime Dialogue from 13th-14th of May 2026, jointly hosted by the Pathfinder Foundation (Sri Lanka) and the China Centre for South Asian Studies of Sichuan University (China). The dialogue brought together scholars, diplomats and policy practitioners from across China, South Asia and the broader Indian Ocean region to deliberate on emerging maritime and geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
The discussions focused on themes including maritime security, regional connectivity, development-oriented cooperation in the Indian Ocean and the growing importance of regional frameworks for governance and dialogue. Participants exchanged perspectives on balancing developmental priorities with security concerns, while also examining the role of middle powers and regional institutions in shaping the future of the Indian Ocean region.
Ms. Pankaj’s participation contributed to the exchange of perspectives on regional strategic affairs and the evolving India-China dynamic in South Asia. The engagement also provided ORCA an opportunity to interact with a diverse network of think tanks, academic institutions and regional stakeholders working on maritime governance, Indian Ocean affairs and Indo-Pacific policy issues.
