India is a growing naval power and increasingly important in providing maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean. The Indian Naval War College, based in Goa, is an important part of the nation’s maritime strategy, delivering senior officer education not just for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, but also for countries across the region.

Over the last few days I had the pleasure of discussing the state of maritime security with the college’s staff. I also delivered a series of lectures for the students based on our book, Understanding Maritime Security.

The discussions with students and staff provided useful food for thought — both for our work on the second edition, and for making sense of the rise of grey-zone strategies at sea. It was also great to learn about the college’s ambitions around internationalisation, as well as its research on the future role of navies.

The pleasures Goa has to offer — great food, Portuguese-inflected charm, and beautiful beaches, even in the rainy monsoon season — will certainly help turn the college into a new hub for naval thought.

Big thanks to the college for the invitation and hospitality.