In June 2025, YCAPS Executive Director John Bradford and Special Advisor for Education and Policy Annette Bradford traveled to India to explore the country’s evolving maritime security dynamics and deepen collaboration with leading strategic thinkers.
During their visit, the Bradfords met with representatives from some of India’s most influential think tanks and research institutions focused on maritime affairs, including the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the National Maritime Foundation (NMF). They also visited the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), where they engaged in a lively discussion with the commanding officer and several international liaison officers. Conversations centered on shared maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean and broader Indo-Pacific regions, as well as opportunities for cooperative research, information exchange, and youth engagement.
The trip underscored YCAPS’ commitment to building bridges among maritime experts across the Indo-Pacific. “India plays an increasingly central role in shaping regional maritime security. It has long been a leader in the Indian Ocean Region and is expanding its involvement in the broader Indo-Pacific,” said John Bradford. “It’s important for YCAPS to maintain active dialogue with Indian partners as we work to support peace and stability across these vital sea lanes.”
This visit builds on YCAPS’ ongoing efforts to facilitate knowledge-sharing among Indo-Pacific maritime communities, reinforce regional networks, and promote multilateral cooperation.
