Sagarmanthan 2026: Great Oceans Dialogue in New Delhi, 7–9 October, with Delegates from Nearly 75 Countries

Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue is scheduled to run from 7 to 9 October 2026 in New Delhi. As of 8 October 2026, that places it mid-event, with the final day still ahead. It is the third edition of the forum, co-hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW). Organisers expect more than 1,200 speakers, delegates and participants from nearly 75 countries. It matters for exam preparation because it ties together India's maritime policy, the blue economy and ocean governance.

The two sources used here were both published on 7 October 2026, the opening day, and are written in forward-looking language. They give the plan and expected participation. They do not report session outcomes, announcements or a closing statement, so none are described here.

Sagarmanthan 2026 at a glance

What the dialogue covers

Theme and agenda

The 2026 theme links trade, technology and trust at sea. The agenda areas named in the sources include maritime resilience, sustainable shipping, digital transformation, the blue economy and ocean governance.

Five thematic pillars

One report lists five pillars for the discussions:

• Safeguarding maritime flows in a fragmented world
• Advancing greener ships and shipbuilding
• Managing trade, connectivity and global turbulence
• Strengthening ocean-linked communities, cultures and livelihoods
• Improving links between harbour cities and their hinterlands

Format

The programme is described as plenary sessions, ministerial and leadership addresses, fireside discussions, technical sessions, ministerial engagements and studio conversations.

Who is expected to take part

Both sources name ministers and representatives from Belgium, the European Commission, Mauritius and Bhutan. Only the fuller report, from ANI via Indian Defence News, adds more names. These include senior policymakers from Mozambique, Lithuania, Greece, Myanmar and Norway. It also names former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, former Tunisian Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa and former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed.

For India, the same report lists Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of State Shantanu Thakur, Secretary Vijay Kumar and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan. Because this list comes from one report, check official programme details before relying on it. Attendance is also described as expected, not confirmed.

Reported supporters include DP World as logistics partner, along with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy and Fincantieri. The governments of the Netherlands and Norway are partners, and the OECD, German Maritime Museum and MENA2050 are knowledge partners.

Why it matters

The ANI-based report says the 2026 meeting comes as sea routes carrying trade, energy, food and critical minerals face pressure from geopolitical tension, climate-related challenges and fast technological change. It adds that emerging economies and Small Island Developing States are often hit harder. It also links the dialogue to India's Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which puts ports, shipping and the blue economy at the centre of long-term development planning.

Exam-relevant context

• Static link: MoPSW is the Indian ministry linked with ports, shipping and inland waterways.
• Blue economy: the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic activity.
• Ocean governance: the rules, institutions and cooperation that cover seas and marine resources.
• Event facts: third edition, New Delhi, 7–9 October 2026, ORF and MoPSW as co-hosts, and the theme wording.

These are useful revision points for current affairs and general studies. No source says any question will be asked from this event.

Evidence gaps and a source difference

• The sources do not report outcomes, agreements, declarations or announcements from the sessions.
• Participant numbers (more than 1,200 and nearly 75 countries) are expected figures, not final counts.
• On the edition history, both sources say the forum was launched in New Delhi in 2024. Only the ANI-based report adds that it was held in Mumbai during India Maritime Week 2025. Treat that detail as single-sourced.

FAQs

When is Sagarmanthan 2026?

It is scheduled for 7–9 October 2026 in New Delhi. As of 8 October 2026 it is in progress and not yet concluded.

Who organises it?

The Observer Research Foundation and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways co-host it.

What is the 2026 theme?

"Blue Geographies, New Aspirations: Trade, Technology, and Trust at Sea."