With reference to Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), consider the following statements: It is a biennial forum conceived by the Indian Navy. It aims to enhance maritime cooperation among Navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region. United Kingdom is also a member of IONS. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 1 and 3 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Notes:

All statements are correct.

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

Objective: To enhance maritime cooperation among Navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.

First Edition: The inaugural edition of IONS was held in Feb 2008 in New Delhi with the Indian Navy as the Chair for two years.

Currently Chaired by: France.

Members of IONS: IONS includes 24 nations that hold territory within the Indian Ocean and 8 observer nations:

The members have been geographically grouped into the following four sub-regions:

South Asian Littorals: Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Pakistan, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and United Kingdom (British Indian Ocean Territory)
West Asian Littorals: Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates
East African Littorals: France (Reunion), Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, South Africa, and Tanzania.
Southeast Asian and Australian Littorals: Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor-Leste.

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