The 8th edition of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs (CoC) is currently underway in Bangkok, Thailand, hosted by the Royal Thai Navy from December 19 to 22, 2023. Leading the charge is Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, who heads a three-member Indian Naval delegation for the Conclave.
IONS, conceived by the Indian Navy in 2008, serves as a platform to foster maritime cooperation among the Navies of the littoral states in the Indian Ocean Region. This inclusive forum encourages open discussions on regionally relevant maritime issues, aiming to establish a common understanding for the future. The inaugural edition of IONS took place in February 2008 in New Delhi, with the Indian Navy serving as the Chair for the first two years (2008-2010).
The sidelines of the Conclave are abuzz with various bilateral interactions, fostering greater maritime cooperation and understanding among IONS countries. Looking ahead, India is poised to assume the Chair of IONS for the term 2025-27 during the 9th CoC, scheduled to take place in India at the end of 2025. This transition signals India’s commitment to the shared goals of the IONS community, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts for a secure and sustainable maritime future in the Indian Ocean Region.