In News:

• India assumed the Chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) from Royal Thai Navy.
• The 9th Conclave of Chiefs was held at Visakhapatnam.
• Participation included Chiefs of Navies and Heads of Maritime Security Agencies from 33 countries (Members, Observers, and Indian Ocean littoral states).
• India had earlier held the inaugural Chairmanship (2008–2010).

About Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)

• Launched in 2008 by the Indian Navy.
• A voluntary naval forum aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation among Indian Ocean littoral states.
• No permanent headquarters.
• Features a rotating chairmanship.

Membership Structure

• 25 Member States, divided into four sub-regions:
  1. South Asian
  2. West Asian
  3. Southeast Asian & Australian
  4. East African
• 9 Observer countries.
• In 2026:
  • The Philippines was inducted as an Observer.
  • Oman joined the Working Group on HADR.

Core Objectives of IONS

IONS promotes:

• Maritime security cooperation (including anti-piracy efforts).
• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
• Maritime information sharing.
• Capacity building among navies.
• Professional exchange through exercises, workshops, and biennial conclaves.

Key Focus Areas (Working Groups)

Under India’s Chairmanship, emphasis will be placed on strengthening:

• Maritime Security
• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
• Information Sharing and Interoperability

Initiatives Announced During India’s Tenure

• Conduct of IONS Maritime Exercise (IMEX).
• Continued deployment of IOS SAGAR missions to IONS member countries with multinational participation.
• Structured Maritime Information Sharing Workshops.
• Upgrade of the IONS website to enhance:
  • Institutional continuity
  • Secure engagement
  • Usability among member navies

Strategic Significance for India

• Reinforces India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Strengthens maritime diplomacy and defence cooperation.
• Enhances collective response capability against: Piracy, Maritime terrorism, and Natural disasters
• Promotes interoperability among like-minded navies.
• Reflects India’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).