The Indian Navy marked a significant milestone in advancing meteorological and oceanological expertise by hosting the third edition of its Meteorological and Oceanological Symposium, Meghayan-25, on April 14, 2025, at Nausena Bhawan in New Delhi. The symposium celebrated the formation of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and observed WMO Day 2025 under the theme “Closing the Early Warning Gap Together.” The event brought together a distinguished group of experts, naval officers, stakeholders, and representatives from premier organizations, creating an engaging platform for collaboration and innovation in weather forecasting and maritime safety.
The symposium was virtually inaugurated by Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, and witnessed participation from leading institutions including the India Meteorological Department, Indian Institute for Tropical Meteorology, Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services, National Institute of Ocean Technology, Indian Air Force, Space Applications Center of ISRO in Ahmedabad, National Maritime Foundation, and the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. The symposium featured two technical sessions moderated by senior subject matter experts. The first session, led by Rear Admiral G Rambabu, Principal of the Indian Naval Academy and the seniormost meteorological officer in the Navy, spotlighted advancements in marine meteorology and oceanology, while the second session, chaired by Commodore SMU Athar, delved into statistical approaches to weather forecasting. Both sessions concluded with dynamic audience interaction through Q&A rounds.
A panel discussion titled “Closing the Early Warning Gap Together: Enhancing Maritime Security and Coordination,” moderated by Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan (Retired), brought experts together to deliberate on integrated strategies for maritime safety. The symposium’s final session was presided over by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, and saw attendance from high-ranking officials including Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, and Vice Admiral Lochan Singh Pathania, Chief Hydrographer to the Government of India. Dr Nilesh Desai, Director of Space Applications Center in Ahmedabad, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour, while Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of the India Meteorological Department and Honorary Vice President of the World Meteorological Organisation, delivered the keynote address.
A particularly special highlight was the felicitation of Commodore PI Oommen (Retired), the pioneer of the Navy’s meteorological specialization and the first Principal Director of Naval Oceanology and Meteorology. At the age of 94, Commodore Oommen addressed the gathering, sharing cherished memories and experiences from his remarkable career. His contributions laid the groundwork for the Navy’s robust meteorological capabilities and inspired subsequent generations of meteorological officers.
Furthering its commitment to enhancing meteorological services, the Indian Navy launched the Meteorological and Oceanographic Satellite Data Archival Centre – Indian Navy (MOSDAC-IN) during the symposium. This joint initiative between the Directorate of Naval Oceanology and Meteorology and the Space Applications Center provides customized satellite-derived weather products and ensures seamless accessibility for individual Naval Meteorological Offices. The symposium also marked the revival of the professional meteorological and oceanological journal “Sagarmanthan” after nearly a decade, with the launch of its 10th edition during Meghayan-25.
The Indian Navy’s Meghayan-25 symposium underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and dedication in the fields of meteorology and oceanography, setting the stage for continued excellence and global leadership in these critical domains. The event served as a testament to the Navy’s resolve to bridge the gap in early warning systems, enhancing maritime security and coordination while fostering scientific advancements that benefit India and the wider international community.
