Indian Navy Takes Over Chairmanship of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium

The Indian Navy has assumed the Chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) from the Royal Thai Navy, marking India’s return to the helm after 16 years.

India had earlier held the inaugural Chairmanship from 2008 to 2010, and now leads the forum again as it has grown into a key platform for maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.

9th IONS Conclave at Visakhapatnam

The 9th Conclave of Chiefs of IONS was held in Visakhapatnam on February 20, 2026.
It brought together naval chiefs and maritime security leaders from 33 countries, including member nations, observers and Indian Ocean littoral states.

Key Outcomes

• Launch of an upgraded IONS website to improve secure collaboration and institutional continuity.
• Philippines inducted as an Observer.
• Oman joined the IONS Working Group on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).

These steps aim to broaden the forum’s cooperative reach and strengthen maritime security partnerships.

About IONS

IONS was conceived by the Indian Navy in 2008 to enhance maritime cooperation among navies of Indian Ocean littoral states.
Its objectives include:

• Promoting dialogue on regional maritime issues
• Building trust and interoperability among navies
• Enhancing cooperation in areas like HADR, anti-piracy, and maritime security

Significance for India

• Reinforces India’s leadership in the Indian Ocean Region
• Strengthens regional maritime security cooperation
• Enhances India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision
• Deepens naval diplomacy and strategic partnerships