INCOIS Director T. M. Balakrishnan Nair Elected Chair of UNESCO Indian Ocean Panel

T. M. Balakrishnan Nair, Director of the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), has been elected Chair of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) Sub-Commission for the Indian Ocean (IOCINDIO).

The election was held at the second Intergovernmental Session of IOCINDIO in Bali, Indonesia, from Monday to Wednesday, October 12-14, 2026.

Priorities under the new chair

As Chair of IOCINDIO, Dr. Nair will lead efforts to strengthen collaboration among participating countries. He will also advance shared priorities in oceanographic research, operational oceanography, ocean information services and the sustainable management of marine resources.

Turki Al-Said of Kuwait and Badal Mohammed Rezah of Mauritius have been elected as the Vice-Chairs of IOCINDIO.

Why the Indian Ocean matters

The Indian Ocean is of considerable importance to the countries bordering it, supporting fisheries, maritime activities, coastal communities, marine biodiversity and economic development.

The region also faces multiple challenges associated with coastal and marine hazards, climate variability, changing ocean conditions and the sustainable use of marine resources.

These challenges require sustained international cooperation, reliable ocean observations, scientific research and improved forecasting capabilities. They also require the effective dissemination of ocean information to governments, scientific institutions, coastal communities and other stakeholders.

IOCINDIO’s role

IOCINDIO provides an intergovernmental platform for advancing cooperation in ocean science and related activities. Its work contributes to the broader objectives of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, including the promotion of international scientific cooperation and improved understanding of ocean processes.

It also supports the stronger use of ocean knowledge for societal benefit, according to an official press release issued on Thursday.

Source: The Hindu