Pacific nations are increasingly becoming pivotal players in the global dialogue on climate change and ocean security, as demonstrated by their active participation in MILAN 2026, one of the largest maritime conferences taking place in Visakhapatnam, India. Hosted by the Indian Navy, the event brought together representatives from 74 countries, where Commodore Timoci Natuva, Commander of the Fiji Navy, voiced the critical maritime issues threatening the Pacific islands.
During the Maritime Seminar, Commodore Natuva addressed the urgent challenges posed by illegal maritime activities, including transnational crime and unregulated fishing, which, when combined with the severe impacts of climate change, place significant burdens on Pacific nations. He emphasized the financial repercussions that result from illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, as well as the rising sea levels and more intense storms that threaten coastal communities and their infrastructure.
The forum provided valuable opportunities for engagement on the sidelines, where Commodore Natuva discussed potential solutions and forged partnerships with senior officials from several naval forces, including the United States Pacific Fleet, as well as the Tonga Navy, Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Royal New Zealand Navy, and Royal Australian Navy. These discussions highlighted the necessity of coordinated efforts to tackle shared challenges, reinforcing the significance of collaborative maritime security.
Representatives from other Pacific nations echoed the sentiments expressed by Fiji. The Papua New Guinea Defence Force underscored the importance of protecting fisheries that serve as a cornerstone for local livelihoods, while Tonga’s naval delegation stressed regional cooperation, emphasizing the reliance of small island nations on robust partnerships to secure their maritime domains. Officials from New Zealand added that maritime security should also encompass climate resilience and effective disaster response efforts.
For Pacific nations, maritime security extends beyond defense; it is intertwined with food security, economic stability, and sovereignty over vast ocean territories. Fiji’s participation in MILAN 2026 signifies its dedication to collaborating with both regional and global partners to safeguard their maritime interests.
The International Fleet Review offered nations the opportunity to enhance diplomatic ties through a united maritime display, allowing Pacific leaders to articulate the urgency of addressing the unique challenges their region faces. As they advocate for stronger enforcement against illegal fishing and bolster surveillance efforts, Pacific representatives at MILAN are committed to ensuring that critical issues surrounding climate, fisheries, and community safety remain central in global security discussions. Their proactive engagement is crucial in confronting the evolving challenges of the maritime domain, showcasing their resilience and cooperative spirit as they navigate future threats.