India Assumes Co-Chair Role In Key Indian Ocean Maritime Security Initiative

In a significant development, India has taken over the co-chair position of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Working Groups on Maritime Security and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) for the upcoming cycle.

This announcement came as the eighth IONS Conclave of Chiefs concluded in Bangkok from 19 to 22 December, as per a statement by the defense ministry.

The conclave, hosted by the Royal Thai Navy, saw participation from chiefs of navies and senior delegates representing 27 member and observer countries.

Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar led a three-member naval delegation during the event.

Thailand assumed the responsibilities of the chair of IONS during the conclave, and the work plan for the next two years was finalized.

Notably, a flag designed by India was selected as the official IONS flag, marking a significant contribution to the collaborative maritime initiative.

In addition to assuming the role of co-chair, India's Navy Chief, Admiral Kumar, visited INS Kadmatt in Bangkok.

During this visit, he interacted with the ship's crew and commended its successful long-range deployment.

The conclave also welcomed the Republic of Korea Navy as the latest 'observer,' thereby increasing the collective strength of IONS to 34, comprising 25 member countries and nine observers.