9th IONS Conclave of Chiefs held in
Visakhapatnam
¨
On 20 February, the 9th
Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs was scheduled held in
Visakhapatnam with participation from naval leaders of several countries.
¨
The high-level gathering
was planned alongside the International Fleet Review and MILAN 2026, enhancing
its strategic importance.
¨
At the conclave, the
Chairmanship of IONS assumed by the Chief of the Naval Staff from the Royal
Thai Navy.
¨
India is set to lead the
forum for the 2026–2028 term, marking its second tenure since the platform was
launched in 2008 in New Delhi.
¨
IONS functions as a
voluntary and inclusive platform bringing together navies of the Indian Ocean
Region.
¨ The forum promotes maritime security, naval cooperation and humanitarian assistance among member countries.
¨ The conclave discussed common maritime challenges and efforts to strengthen collective security in the region.
