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India Assumes IONS Chairmanship, Charts Course for Indian Ocean Security

India has assumed the Chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium during its 9th Conclave in Visakhapatnam, marking its return to the role after 16 years. The event saw participation from Chiefs of Navies and maritime security heads from 33 nations, reflecting broad regional alignment. Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi outlined a forward-looking vision focused on strengthening working groups for security, disaster relief, and information sharing. India announced new initiatives including a maritime exercise and capability development workshops to boost operational coordination among member navies.

Key Points: India Takes Helm of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium

  • India assumes IONS Chair after 16 years
  • Focus on security, HADR & interoperability
  • Philippines inducted as Observer
  • New initiatives like IMEX exercise announced
2 min read

India assumes Chairmanship of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium at 9th Conclave in Visakhapatnam

India assumes Chairmanship of IONS, outlining a vision for enhanced maritime security, HADR, and interoperability among 33 member nations.

"strengthening maritime security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region - Official Statement"

Visakhapatnam, February 20

India on Friday assumed the Chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium at the 9th Conclave of Chiefs, held in Visakhapatnam, marking a significant milestone in regional maritime cooperation.

According to a statement, the conclave brought together Chiefs of Navies and Heads of Maritime Security Agencies from 33 countries, including IONS Members, Observers and other Indian Ocean littoral nations.

The wide participation, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, reflected growing alignment among navies committed to strengthening maritime security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

In a historic moment for the forum, the Indian Navy assumed the Chairmanship from the Royal Thai Navy, marking India's return to the helm of IONS after 16 years. India had earlier held the inaugural Chairmanship from 2008 to 2010.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and now Chair of IONS, outlined a forward-looking vision aimed at enhancing the functional relevance of the forum.

He emphasised strengthening key Working Groups on Maritime Security, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), and Information Sharing and Interoperability as principal drivers of cooperation among member nations.

Among key developments at the Conclave was the launch of an upgraded IONS website, undertaken by the Indian Navy to improve usability, ensure institutional continuity, and enable secure engagement among member navies.

The Philippines was inducted as an Observer, while Oman joined the IONS Working Group on HADR, expanding the forum's collaborative scope and reinforcing its cooperative outreach, the release stated.

During its tenure, India announced several initiatives, including the conduct of the IONS Maritime Exercise (IMEX), continued deployment of IOS SAGAR to member countries with participation of personnel from IONS navies and maritime security agencies onboard, and structured Maritime Information Sharing Workshops and dialogues aimed at boosting operational coordination, professional exchanges and capability development.

The 9th Conclave signals a renewed phase in the evolution of IONS, with India's assumption of the Chairmanship underscoring expanded engagement, strengthened momentum and a collective commitment to ensuring maritime stability and security in the Indian Ocean Region.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is excellent news. The focus on HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) is so important. With climate change, cyclones and floods are becoming more frequent in our region. A coordinated naval response can save countless lives.
R
Rohit P
While this is a positive step, I hope this translates into real, on-ground cooperation and isn't just another talk shop. We need concrete action against non-traditional threats like piracy and illegal fishing. The upgraded website is a good start for info sharing.
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows geopolitics, this is a significant strategic move. Bringing together 33 nations from the Atlantic to the Pacific under India's leadership creates a crucial counterbalance in the region. The inclusion of the Philippines as an Observer is particularly interesting.
V
Vikram M
Visakhapatnam is a perfect host city - a major naval base on the eastern coast. Hosting such events boosts our profile and the local economy. Well done to the Indian Navy and Admiral Tripathi for outlining a clear vision. The IMEX exercises will be key.
K
Karthik V
Security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean is not just about navies; it impacts fishermen, trade routes, and our energy security. Hope this forum's work trickles down to protect the interests of common people dependent on the sea.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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