By Kamal Shah
The Indo-Pacific GeoIntelligence Forum 2025 opened with an electrifying inaugural session, setting the tone for what promises to be a landmark event in the world of geospatial intelligence. Bringing together some of the most distinguished leaders, defence strategists, and technology experts, the session focused on the evolving role of GeoIntelligence in addressing regional and global security challenges. With the Indo-Pacific region gaining unprecedented strategic importance, the discussions emphasized the critical role of technology, data-driven decision-making, and international collaboration in shaping the future of defence and security.
The session commenced with an inspiring address by Lt. Gen. Ajay Chandele, PVSM, AVSM, representing Geospatial World, who welcomed the esteemed dignitaries and participants. His opening remarks set the stage for a forward-looking dialogue on next-generation sovereign GeoIntelligence assets. Lt. Gen. Chandele passionately underscored nations’ need to develop independent intelligence capabilities by leveraging cutting-edge geospatial technologies. In an era of rapidly evolving threats, he emphasized that advanced GeoIntelligence is no longer a luxury but a strategic imperative for enhancing national security and defence operations. His call for action resonated with the audience, setting an optimistic and determined tone for the discussions ahead.
Adding a global perspective to the session, Lt. General Vinod G. Khandare, PVSM, AVSM, SM, delivered an insightful analysis of the shifting geopolitical landscape. Drawing from his vast experience, he traced the key transitions in global power dynamics since World War II and the Cold War, highlighting the interconnectedness of economic, regional, and technological factors that shape modern defence strategies. Lt. Gen. Khandare delved into the challenges facing Europe’s economy, the growing assertiveness in South Asia, and the increasing importance of maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. He eloquently described technology as a “double-edged sword,” capable of acting as both an enabler and disruptor in defence operations. His remarks provided a comprehensive understanding of today’s complex geopolitical environment, offering valuable insights into the opportunities and risks in the modern security landscape.
Adam Reedy, International Government Sales Manager at Esri, brought a technological lens to the conversation, emphasizing the transformative power of location intelligence. He highlighted how integrating people, processes, and systems through geospatial technologies can revolutionize intelligence collaboration. Reedy explained how structured and unstructured data can be efficiently stored, accessed, and distributed to enhance decision-making at all levels of command. By leveraging low-code/no-code applications, defence agencies can now build agile, responsive systems that streamline operations and improve effectiveness. His presentation showcased how innovation in data management and geospatial tools can empower defence organizations to stay ahead in an increasingly complex and fast-paced security environment.
The session also featured an impactful address by Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, AVSM, VSM, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Indian Navy, who focused on the critical role of satellite-based surveillance in ensuring maritime security. Vice Admiral Sobti categorized satellite capabilities into three key areas—surveillance, positioning, and timeliness—explaining how these elements together bolster defence infrastructure and enable swift, informed decision-making. He stressed the need for nations to invest in robust satellite capabilities to maintain strategic maritime dominance, particularly in the highly contested waters of the Indo-Pacific. His remarks underscored the urgency of strengthening maritime security to safeguard trade routes, deter threats, and ensure regional stability.
The Visionary Leadership of General V.K. Singh: A New Era of Security and Technology
In a momentous inaugural address, General V.K. Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, and Hon’ble Governor of Mizoram, captivated the audience with his visionary insights on the future of national security in the Indo-Pacific region. With a commanding presence and sharp intellect, he emphasized the strategic importance of this vital trade route, rich in resources and brimming with geopolitical significance. His words resonated with urgency and optimism, painting a picture of how advanced technology and intelligence can redefine security in an ever-changing world.
General Singh’s address highlighted the transformative potential of next-generation GeoIntelligence. From 3D modelling to AI-powered geospatial analytics, he explained how these innovations can empower defence operations with unprecedented precision and proactive decision-making. By integrating intelligence capabilities with military power, nations can respond to threats and anticipate them before they materialize. His vision underscored the need for a forward-thinking approach to safeguard economic security, regional stability, and military strategy.
Cybersecurity emerged as a central theme in his address, as he warned of the growing risks posed by data vulnerabilities. In a world where sensitive intelligence is increasingly targeted by cyber threats, General Singh called for robust measures to protect geospatial data. His message was clear: the future of security lies in the seamless integration of technology, intelligence, and cybersecurity.
The session culminated in the inauguration of an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge geospatial and defence technologies. Industry leaders, innovators, and defence professionals came together to explore advancements in satellite surveillance, AI-driven analytics, and intelligence solutions. This exhibition was a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in shaping the future of national security.
General V.K. Singh’s address was more than just a speech—it was a rallying cry for progress and preparedness. His leadership and vision set the tone for the event, reminding us all that technology, intelligence integration, and data security are the cornerstones of a secure and resilient future. His words inspire hope and action, urging us to embrace innovation and work together to safeguard the world of tomorrow.
The inaugural session left no doubt about the transformative potential of GeoIntelligence in modern defence and security. The speakers collectively underscored the importance of innovation, collaboration, and intelligence integration in addressing the rapidly shifting security landscape. With technology revolutionizing defence operations, the discussions reinforced the need to invest in advanced geospatial solutions and next-generation intelligence systems. As the Indo-Pacific region emerges as a focal point of global power dynamics, the insights shared during the session will undoubtedly serve as a guiding light for policymakers, defence leaders, and technology innovators alike.
Sanjay Kumar, CEO & Editor-in-Chief of Geospatial Media & Communications, delivered a spirited Vote of Thanks, highlighting the incredible potential of the space and geospatial industry. With its first-ever dedicated track at a national business summit, the event set the stage for innovation and collaboration. Sanjay underscored India’s “Look East” policy, positioning the northeast as a gateway to Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific. Advocating a dual “buy and build” strategy to bolster indigenous capabilities, he called for swift action in technological advancements. The future is bright, with plans to partner with emerging space companies and strengthen India’s global footprint!
Key Highlights of Plenary Panel 1: Global Geopolitical Scenario & Regional Security Environment
The inaugural plenary panel of the conference brought together eminent strategic thinkers and defence experts to deliberate on the evolving global geopolitical landscape and its implications for regional security. Chaired by Lt Gen S.A. Hasnain, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, SM*, Member of the National Disaster Management Authority, the session provided a comprehensive overview of pressing issues such as the Indo-Pacific, maritime security, and the significance of strategic partnerships in fostering regional stability. The discussion underscored the interconnected nature of global and regional security challenges, with a particular focus on the Indo-Pacific region.
India’s Strategic Role in the Indo-Pacific
Ambassador Gurjit Singh, a seasoned developmental diplomat and commentator, provided a nuanced analysis of the evolving geopolitical dynamics. He emphasized the importance of the Indo-Pacific as a focal point for global power competition and regional cooperation. Highlighting India’s strategic priorities, he noted the growing influence of India, France, and Japan in extending their geopolitical reach to East and Southern Africa, while the United States continues to prioritize the Pacific. For India, the South China Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific region remain critical, aligning with ASEAN’s vision of a rules-based order and shared commitment to regional stability.
Amb. Singh also highlighted India’s increasing space capabilities and its proactive engagement in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, which have solidified its position as a key regional power. These efforts, coupled with strategic partnerships, reflect India’s growing role in shaping the security architecture of the Indo-Pacific.
Regional Challenges in Southeast Asia
Lt Gen Dato’ Seri Haji Muhammad Huzaimi bin Sabri, Chief Executive of the Malaysian Institute of Defence & Security, provided a candid assessment of the security challenges facing Malaysia and the broader Southeast Asian region. He identified territorial disputes, instability arising from neighbouring conflicts, and national interest-driven security crises as significant concerns that transcend national borders. The general emphasized that these challenges cannot be effectively managed by any single nation and require a collective regional response.
In addition to traditional security threats, Lt Gen Huzaimi highlighted the emergence of non-traditional challenges, such as SPB (Strategic Power Balancing), which necessitate innovative and cooperative solutions. His remarks underscored the urgency of fostering regional collaboration to address these multifaceted threats while maintaining peace and stability.
Maritime Security and Regional Cooperation
Rear Admiral Indika De Silva, Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Fleet of the Sri Lanka Navy, offered a maritime perspective on regional security. He stressed the importance of trust-building and reducing dependency on extra-regional powers as cornerstones of collective security efforts. According to R Adm De Silva, maritime security is a shared responsibility, particularly in the complex and strategically significant Indian Ocean region.
The Rear Admiral highlighted the role of regional cooperation, technological innovation, and trust-building measures in addressing maritime challenges. By fostering collaboration and leveraging advanced technologies, regional actors can work together to create a safer and more secure maritime environment, thereby mitigating risks posed by piracy, illegal fishing, and other transnational threats.
The panel discussion underscored the critical importance of strategic foresight, multilateral collaboration, and innovation in addressing the complex security challenges of the Indo-Pacific and surrounding regions. As the Indo-Pacific continues to gain geopolitical significance, strengthening defense capabilities, fostering multilateral partnerships, and enhancing intelligence-sharing mechanisms will be essential for maintaining peace and stability.
The insights shared during the session highlighted the need for a unified regional approach to security, balancing national interests with collective goals. By prioritizing trust-building, technological advancements, and cooperative frameworks, the region can effectively navigate the challenges posed by shifting global power dynamics and safeguard its long-term stability.
Harnessing Defense Geospatial Platforms for Enhanced Security: Insights from Plenary 2 of the Indo-Pacific GeoIntelligence Forum 2025
At Plenary 2 of the Indo-Pacific GeoIntelligence Forum 2025, leading experts convened to discuss how defence geospatial platforms and knowledge infrastructure can drive the development of digital twins and actionable intelligence, ultimately enhancing national and global security. Moderated by Lt Gen Rajiv Sahni, AVSM VSM, Director General Information Systems, Indian Army, the session provided a forward-looking perspective on the strategies required to strengthen geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) in the face of evolving challenges.
The discussion was centered around the integration of advanced technologies, policy frameworks, and collaborative efforts to address the dynamic and complex nature of modern security threats. Key speakers, including Dr. Radhadevi P V, Director of ADRIN; Bruno Versini, COO of e-GEOS; and Dr. VS Subrahmanian, Professor at Northwestern University, shared their insights on the future of defence geospatial intelligence and its transformative potential.
Building a Robust Geospatial Ecosystem
Dr. Radhadevi P V outlined essential steps to meet the future demands of defence geospatial intelligence. She emphasized the importance of formulating a comprehensive National Defence Geospatial Strategy, which would provide a unified vision for leveraging geospatial data in defence operations. Central to this strategy is the establishment of a reliable base data infrastructure and spatial knowledge systems, which serve as the foundation for actionable intelligence.
Advancing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities was highlighted as a key enabler for geospatial intelligence. These technologies can process vast amounts of data, derive insights, and support real-time decision-making. Additionally, Dr. Radhadevi proposed the creation of a dedicated Defence Digital Twin Lab to simulate and analyze complex scenarios, enabling predictive modelling and improved operational planning.
To ensure secure and efficient data sharing, she stressed the need for robust policy frameworks. Collaboration between public and private sectors, as well as academic institutions, was identified as a critical driver of innovation and capacity-building in geospatial intelligence.
The Evolution of Geospatial Intelligence
Bruno Versini provided a comprehensive overview of the current state and future trajectory of geospatial intelligence. He highlighted the increasing importance of GEOINT in addressing global challenges such as geopolitical conflicts, trade disruptions, climate change, migration, and security threats. As these challenges grow in complexity, the demand for AI-driven, predictive intelligence is becoming more pronounced.
Versini detailed the advancements across the geospatial intelligence value chain, starting with upstream capabilities such as satellite technology, sensors, and inter-satellite communication. These innovations are enabling the collection of high-quality data at an unprecedented scale. Midstream infrastructure, including ground stations, satellite control systems, and cybersecurity measures, is being enhanced to ensure the seamless processing and protection of this data. Downstream applications, such as AI-powered analytics, digital twins, and cybersecurity solutions, are transforming raw geospatial data into actionable insights that can secure critical infrastructure and inform strategic decisions.
Collaboration emerged as a recurring theme in Versini’s address. Strengthening partnerships across international borders, as well as fostering public-private and academic collaboration, is essential for driving innovation and addressing shared security challenges.
Cutting-Edge Technologies in Drone Defence
Dr. VS Subrahmanian showcased groundbreaking advancements in drone defence systems, which are increasingly critical in the context of modern warfare and security. He introduced two state-of-the-art solutions: the Drone Early Warning System (DEWS) and the Strategic Defense Decision System (S2D2).
DEWS leverages AI-powered geospatial analytics to predict drone threats within 30–40 seconds, providing a crucial window for defensive action. Meanwhile, S2D2 uses advanced simulation techniques to model potential attack and defence scenarios, enabling decision-makers to optimize their strategies. These systems have demonstrated the potential to improve security outcomes by 17–28%, underscoring the transformative impact of AI and geospatial intelligence in countering emerging threats.
The discussions at Plenary 2 underscored the need for innovation, collaboration, and robust security measures in the geospatial intelligence domain. As technology continues to evolve, integrating AI, digital twins, and real-time geospatial insights will be pivotal in addressing the multifaceted challenges of national and global security.
The way forward lies in fostering a comprehensive ecosystem that combines cutting-edge technology, strategic policy frameworks, and collaborative partnerships. By doing so, defence geospatial platforms and knowledge infrastructure can serve as powerful enablers of actionable intelligence, ensuring a safer and more secure future in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
Space & Computing Infrastructure Enabling Sovereign Capabilities
The third plenary session, chaired by Lt Gen Anil Kumar Bhatt (retd), Director General of the Indian Space Association, brought together distinguished experts to discuss the critical role of space and computing infrastructure in enabling sovereign capabilities. The session emphasized that sovereignty is not merely about possessing advanced technology but about effectively tailoring and utilizing it to meet regional and national objectives.
AVM Pawan Kumar, Director General of the Defence Space Agency, underscored the pivotal role of geointelligence in managing areas of responsibility (AOR). He highlighted the growing complexity of analyzing vast satellite data volumes and stressed the importance of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing to enable real-time object analysis and predictive intelligence. These technologies will be essential in addressing the challenges of modern geospatial applications.
Lt Col Gil Elmalem from the Embassy of Israel noted that sovereignty is a balance between self-reliance and collaboration. While no nation can achieve complete self-sufficiency, partnerships can help leverage collective strengths and mitigate weaknesses, ensuring shared success in a competitive global landscape.
Vincent Kessler of Synspective showcased the company’s disaster monitoring capabilities, particularly in landslides and floods. He highlighted their achievement in acquiring Japan’s highest-resolution 25 cm SAR imagery, which significantly enhances disaster response precision and mitigation efforts. This capability demonstrates how advanced imaging can strengthen sovereign disaster management systems.
Amit Kumar, COO of Suhora, emphasized that sovereignty extends beyond acquiring technology to mastering its use. Nations must focus on processing and leveraging satellite and open-source data effectively to ensure control, security, and self-dependence. Collaboration remains important, but the ability to independently utilize data is critical for true sovereignty.
Finally, Jain Abhineet of BlackSky highlighted the company’s industry-leading capabilities, including 35 cm resolution imagery and a 30-minute revisit time. With 12 global ground stations and inter-satellite communication, BlackSky offers real-time tasking and rapid data acquisition, enabling nations to respond flexibly and quickly to dynamic situations.
The session concluded with a consensus that sovereign capabilities in space and computing require a blend of advanced technology, strategic collaboration, and the ability to adapt these assets to specific regional needs. By focusing on these elements, nations can ensure their autonomy while fostering resilience and security in an interconnected world.
A Thrilling Start to the Future of Defence Innovation!
The opening day of the Indo-Pacific GeoIntelligence Forum (IPGF) Exhibition was nothing short of electrifying! A hub of innovation, collaboration, and cutting-edge technology, the event showcased the very best in defence and security advancements. From AI-driven intelligence solutions to state-of-the-art surveillance systems and next-generation geospatial tools, the exhibition floor was alive with groundbreaking ideas poised to redefine the Indo-Pacific’s defence landscape.
The forum brought together the brightest minds in the industry—defence experts, tech pioneers, and global leaders—all united by a shared mission: to revolutionize strategic decision-making, maritime security, and national defence infrastructure. Live demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies captivated attendees, while insightful discussions sparked new ideas and partnerships. The networking opportunities were unparalleled, fostering collaborations that could shape the future of defence in the region.
The Indo-Pacific GeoIntelligence Forum 2025 has begun on a high note, inspiring participants to think boldly and act decisively. As the world faces increasingly complex challenges, it is clear that the future of security will be shaped by those who can harness the power of GeoIntelligence to build a safer, more resilient world.
