INDIAN OCEAN NAVAL SYMPOSIUM (IONS) 2023

Source- This post is based on the article “INDIAN OCEAN NAVAL SYMPOSIUM (IONS) – 2023” published in “PIB” on 22nd December 2023.

Why in the News?

Recently the 8th edition of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs (CoC) held in Bangkok, Thailand.

What is Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)?

1) is a biennial forum conceived by the Indian Navy in 2008.

2) Purpose- It is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime cooperation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region. It provides an open and inclusive forum for discussion of regionally relevant maritime issues.

3) The inaugural edition of IONS was held in Feb 2008 at New Delhi, with Indian Navy as the Chair for two years (2008 – 2010)

4) IONS strength is 34 (25 members and 9 observer states).

What are the Highlights of the IONS 2023 Conclave of Chiefs?

1) Conducted by Royal Thai Navy at Bangkok, Thailand.

2) Thailand took over as the IONS Chair.

3) The flag designed by India was chosen as the official IONS Flag.

4) India assumed the co-Chair position for IONS Working Groups on Maritime Security and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) for the upcoming cycle.

5) Republic of Korea Navy was added as the latest observer.

Note- India is set to assume the role of Chair for IONS (2025-27) during the 9th CoC, scheduled to be held in India at the end of 2025.

UPSC Syllabus- International Relations/Miscellaneous