In a historic moment, the Indian Navy assumed the Chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium from the Royal Thai Navy, marking India’s return to the helm after 16 years.
The 9th Conclave of Chiefs of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium convened at Visakhapatnam on Friday, bringing together Chiefs of Navies and Heads of Maritime Security Agencies from 33 countries, representing IONS members, observers, and other Indian Ocean littoral nations. Participation spanning from the Atlantic to the Pacific reflected the growing alignment of like-minded navies committed to strengthening maritime cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean Region.
India also outlined initiatives to be advanced during its tenure, including the conduct of the IONS Maritime Exercise, continued deployment of IOS SAGAR to IONS member countries with participation of personnel from IONS navies and maritime security agencies onboard, and structured Maritime Information Sharing Workshops and dialogues aimed at enhancing operational interaction, professional exchange, and capability enhancement.