Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)

Why in News?

The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) held its Emerging Leaders Panel Discussion at Southern Naval Command, Kochi (Aug 27–28, 2025), where delegates from 19 countries discussed maritime trade security, AI-enabled systems, interoperability, training cooperation, and India reaffirmed commitment to IOR security.

Description:

• Conceived by: Indian Navy in 2008.
• Nature: Voluntary initiative, not a treaty-based body.
• Aim: Enhance maritime cooperation among navies of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Forum Type: Open and inclusive platform for discussion on regionally relevant maritime issues.

Key Features:

1. Inaugural Edition:
   1. Held in Feb 2008, New Delhi.
   1. India was the first Chair (2008–2010).
2. Objectives:
   1. Build confidence among littoral navies.
   1. Promote information-sharing & maritime security.
   1. Work towards cooperative solutions in the IOR.
3. Membership (36 littoral states): Grouped into 4 sub-regions:
   1. South Asian Littorals: Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Pakistan, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, UK (BIOT).
   1. West Asian Littorals: Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE.
   1. East African Littorals: France (Réunion), Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania.
   1. South East Asian & Australian Littorals: Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste.
4. Observers (8): China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Madagascar, Netherlands, Russia, Spain.
   1. Latest Observer: Republic of Korea Navy.
5. Symbols & Initiatives:
   1. IONS Flag: First-ever flag designed by India was adopted.
   1. India as Co-Chair of Working Groups on Maritime Security & HADR.

Distinction from IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association):

• IONS: Military/naval cooperation forum (2008).
• IORA: Inter-governmental organization for regional cooperation (1997).

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