The 2026 edition of the Vice Admiral KK Nayyar Memorial Lecture was held on 16 February 2026, marking the 21st Foundation Day of the National Maritime Foundation (NMF), New Delhi. The annual lecture honours the enduring legacy of VAdm KK Nayyar, whose intellectual vision and strategic foresight laid the foundation for NMF’s emergence as India’s premier institution for maritime thought and policy advocacy.

VAdm Nayyar was not only a distinguished naval officer but also a pioneering strategic thinker. He played a central role in addressing India’s long-standing maritime neglect and fostering a sustained maritime consciousness in national discourse. As founder-chairman of NMF and a key figure in the establishment of the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), his contributions continue to shape India’s maritime and strategic outlook.

The event commenced with opening remarks by Adm Karambir Singh, former Chief of the Naval Staff and Chairman, NMF. Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, then delivered the keynote address, reflecting on VAdm Nayyar’s legacy and the critical role of maritime consciousness in India’s growth trajectory.

Adm Tripathi underscored NMF’s role as India’s leading maritime think tank, dedicated to research, scholarship, and policy advocacy on issues vital to national security and economic development. Through its research, publications, and policy engagement, the Foundation continues to contribute meaningfully to shaping India’s maritime future in alignment with national aspirations.

The CNS highlighted the Indian Navy’s dual responsibility of guardianship---addressing present security challenges---and stewardship, thus preparing for future strategic imperatives. He noted that the navy’s growing recognition as a principal security provider in the Indo-Pacific is reflected in the participation of over 70 countries in International Fleet Review (IFR). 

The memorial lecture was delivered by NR Narayana Murthy, founder, Infosys, on the theme ‘A Salute to a Life of Service’. Widely respected for his leadership in technology and business, and his commitment to ethical entrepreneurship, Murthy reflected on the intrinsic link between India’s maritime strength and its aspiration to become a developed nation by 2047.

He emphasised that India’s destiny is inseparable from the seas, and that the Indian Navy serves not merely as a defender of the coastline, but as a guarantor of national security, a protector of maritime commerce, and an enabler of India’s global aspirations. Highlighting the transformative role of technology in modern warfare, he spoke of the growing importance of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and cyber capabilities. He also underlined the enduring values embodied by the navy---discipline, courage, teamwork, integrity, and national pride---as foundational to India’s progress.

The event was attended by senior serving and retired officers of the Indian Armed Forces, members of the diplomatic corps, eminent academics, strategic experts, and members of VAdm Nayyar’s family and close associates.

The National Maritime Foundation continues to advance Vice Admiral Nayyar’s legacy by deepening maritime awareness, encouraging informed policy debate, and advocating sustainable and secure development of India’s maritime domain.