The Pathfinder Foundation and the China Center for South Asian Studies (CCSAS), Sichuan University jointly launched the Colombo Maritime Dialogue (CMD) 2026 Report at a virtual event, where representatives of both institutes joined a virtual platform to launch the publication. 

The report, ‘Colombo Maritime Dialogue 2026,’ is available on the Pathfinder website: www.pathfinderfoundation.org.

The virtual launch began with a welcome and opening remarks from Pathfinder Foundation Chairman Bernard Goonetilleke and CCSAS Chief Expert and Vice Director Prof. Qiu Yonghui. The report was formally launched during the ceremony, followed by concluding remarks from CCSAS Chair Professor Prof. Rong Ying and Pathfinder Foundation Distinguished Fellow Admiral (Retd) Prof. Jayanath Colombage.

The Colombo Maritime Dialogue 2026, held on 13 and 14 May, brought together experts and scholars to exchange perspectives on maritime affairs and to explore opportunities for greater cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) under the theme ‘Fostering Win-Win Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region’. 

The dialogue recognised the Indian Ocean as a vital global maritime space for international trade, energy flows, connectivity, and economic development, while also acknowledging the region’s increasingly complex security and environmental challenges. 

It examined areas of potential cooperation to address shared maritime challenges, including maritime safety; Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing; maritime crime; disaster response; maritime domain awareness; and the sustainable management of marine resources. The report also highlighted the importance of strengthening dialogue and building greater mutual understanding among countries and institutions in the Indian Ocean.

The report captures the key discussions, perspectives, and recommendations that emerged from the dialogue, highlighting areas where continued dialogue, cooperation, and engagement could foster greater understanding and shared interests in the IOR.