The 2025 edition of the Vice Admiral KK Nayyar Memorial Lecture was held on 14 Feb 25, coinciding with the 20th Foundation Day of the National Maritime Foundation (NMF). This prestigious event commemorates the enduring legacy of VAdm KK Nayyar, whose vision and intellectual rigour established the National Maritime Foundation as a premier institution for maritime thought and policy advocacy.

VAdm Nayyar was not only an accomplished Naval officer but also a strategic thinker with unparalleled foresight. He played a pivotal role in efforts towards dispelling India’s maritime blindness and nurturing a robust maritime consciousness. As the founder-chairman of the NMF and having played an instrumental role in establishing the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), Adm Nayyar’s contributions remain a source of inspiration for maritime and strategic thought in India.

The event commenced with opening remarks by Adm Karambir Singh (Retd), former Chief of the Naval Staff, Chairman NMF. Thereafter, Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff delivered an insightful speech, contextualising the significance of VAdm KK Nayyar’s legacy and the importance of maritime consciousness in the nation’s growth trajectory. The CNS highlighted the National Maritime Foundation’s role as India’s premier maritime think tank, dedicated to the study and advocacy of maritime issues critical to the nation’s growth and security, that through its research, publications, and policy recommendations, continues to shape India’s maritime future in alignment with the nation’s aspirations. He underscored the Indian Navy’s increasing role in ensuring a stable and secure maritime environment, exemplified by its ongoing maritime security missions and enhanced regional cooperation. CNS exhorted all present to honour VAdm Nayyar’s legacy by continuing to strengthen India’s maritime capabilities and strategic vision.

The address by the CNS was followed by the ‘Vice Admiral KK Nayyar Memorial Lecture’ by Shri Ram Nath Kovind, former President of the Republic of India. Renowned for his statesmanship and visionary leadership, Shri Kovind’s lecture focused on “Increasing Maritime Consciousness in India: A Strategic Imperative for National Prosperity and Security.” His address highlighted the vital role of the maritime sector in realising India’s aspirations to become a developed nation by 2047.

In his talk, Shri Kovind underscored the critical importance of India’s maritime resources, trade routes, and strategic positioning in the global geopolitical landscape. He emphasised fostering a robust maritime culture to enhance economic growth, strengthen national security, and solidify India’s stature as a leading power in the Indo-Pacific region.

The event was attended by senior serving and retired officers of the Indian Defence Forces, members of the diplomatic community, eminent academicians, strategic experts, and close friends and family members of the late Vice Adm KK Nayyar.

The National Maritime Foundation continues to build upon Adm Nayyar’s legacy by fostering maritime awareness, promoting informed policymaking, and advocating for sustainable development in India’s maritime sector.