India Foundation, in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in India, conducted an International Conference on "India-Japan Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific: Enhancing Security and Stability”. The event was conducted on 24 March 2026 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

Marking the 10th anniversary of Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision, the conference assembled policymakers, diplomats, military officials, scholars, think tanks, and industry leaders for in-depth discussions on maritime security, cyber resilience, supply chain security, and upholding a rules-based order.

Admiral Prof. Colombage, a Non-resident Senior Fellow of Hong Kong Research Center for Asian Studies, presented a paper titled “Potential Flash Points in the Indo-Pacific” with special emphasis on the Indian Ocean.  Admiral highlighted the Key strategic themes on Indo-Pacific Flash Points such as Chokepoint vulnerability, Great power rivalry, Historical Animosity among nations, Territorial disputes, Energy security- Oil and gas transit routes, Trade Security- Seaborne trade/maritime commerce, Supply chain security, food security, Naval militarization-Expanding fleets, submarines, and, Military Bases such as in Diego Garcia and Djibouti.

Admiral discussed the strategic and economic importance of Strait of Hormuz which is widely considered the world's most critical oil transit chokepoint. Its importance stems from its unique geography as the sole sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, serving as a vital artery for global energy markets. Therefore, it is critically important to open this strait for global energy shipping. He further discussed the legality of uni-laterally closing an international strait such as Hormuz strait which is used for international transit passage.

Admiral Colombage concluded that the Indian Ocean is having large number of potential Flash points which can erupt into conflict and violent armed responses within a very short time. These Flash Points can have a negative impact on global and regional maritime and Energy trade and impact the economy of many countries. Hence collective and inclusive collaboration is needed to curb superpower rivalry and ensure security, and safety of free navigation in the region.