M. J. Akbar warns of a new era of Maritime Rivalry at CCF–CRRID public forum in Chandigarh
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 31, 2026: The Chandigarh Citizens Foundation (CCF), in collaboration with the Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development (CRRID), hosted an intellectually stimulating public lecture by eminent author, journalist and former Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri M. J. Akbar, at the CRRID Conference Hall this evening.
Speaking on the theme 'The Coming War of the Six Seas: Geopolitics, Maritime Strategy and India's Role,' Shri Akbar delivered a thought-provoking analysis of the rapidly evolving global strategic environment. He highlighted the growing significance of the world's seas—not merely as repositories of natural wealth, but as vital maritime corridors through which the world's energy supplies and trade flow, directly influencing the global economy.
Drawing upon historical examples, Shri Akbar explained that while technology has transformed the methods of warfare, the underlying objectives of power, influence and control have remained unchanged through the centuries. He observed that the world is witnessing a shift from a rules-based international order towards a geopolitical landscape increasingly shaped by military and economic power, creating new and complex security challenges.
Referring to recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint, he cautioned that disruptions in these strategic waterways have demonstrated how vulnerable the global economy remains to maritime instability.
He suggested that prolonged geopolitical competition, where diplomacy and conflict coexist, may well become the new normal in international relations.
Emphasising India's strategic location astride the Indian Ocean and the approaches to the Malacca Strait, Shri Akbar underscored the need for India to continue strengthening its maritime capabilities. He commended the Indian Navy's ongoing modernisation and observed that the vision of building a 200–230 ship Navy by 2047 represents a well-conceived strategy to ensure India's place at the global decision-making table.
The lecture was followed by an engaging interactive session during which Shri Akbar responded to numerous questions from the audience on global geopolitics, India's maritime strategy and emerging international security challenges.
The event witnessed an excellent turnout and was attended by serving and retired senior civil servants, retired officers of the Armed Forces, academicians, members of the strategic community, professionals, and students from colleges and schools. The audience described the lecture as intellectually enriching, insightful and highly relevant in the contemporary geopolitical context.
At the conclusion of the programme, Padma Shri Shri R. I. Singh, IAS (Retd.), Member of the Governing Council of Chandigarh Citizens Foundation, along with Shri Samant Goel, IPS (Retd.), Smt. Vini Mahajan, IAS (Retd.), and Shri J. M. Balamurugan, IAS (Retd.), all Members of the Governing Council of CCF, felicitated Shri M. J. Akbar in recognition of his illuminating and thought-provoking address.
The programme forms part of Chandigarh Citizens Foundation's continuing endeavour to bring eminent national thought leaders to Chandigarh and promote informed public dialogue on issues of national and global importance.