**Executive Summary**
On 20 Feb 2026, the 9th Conclave of Chiefs of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) convened in Visakhapatnam. The Indian Navy assumed the Chairmanship of IONS from the Royal Thai Navy, marking its return to the helm after 16 years. India will advance initiatives to enhance maritime cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean Region during its tenure.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **IONS Conclave and Participation:**
* The 9th Conclave of Chiefs was held in Visakhapatnam on 20 Feb 2026.
* It brought together Chiefs of Navies and Heads of Maritime Security Agencies from 33 countries.
* Participating nations included IONS Members, Observers, and other Indian Ocean littoral nations.
* **Indian Navy's Chairmanship:**
* India assumed the Chairmanship of IONS from the Royal Thai Navy.
* India previously held the Chairmanship from 2008 to 2010.
* **IONS Vision and Objectives:**
* The Chair of IONS articulated a vision to reinforce the functional relevance of IONS.
* Focus is on strengthening Working Groups on Maritime Security, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, and Information Sharing and Interoperability.
* **Key Developments:**
* Launch of the upgraded IONS website by the Indian Navy.
* The Philippines was included as an Observer.
* Oman joined the IONS Working Group on HADR.
* **India's Initiatives:**
* Conduct of the IONS Maritime Exercise (IMEX).
* Continued deployment of IOS SAGAR with participation of personnel from IONS navies and maritime security agencies.
* Structured Maritime Information Sharing Workshops and dialogues.
**Impact Analysis**
**IONS Member Countries, Observer Nations, and Indian Ocean Littoral Nations**
*Impact:* Enhanced maritime cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean Region through IONS initiatives and activities.
*Action Required:* Participate in IONS initiatives like IMEX, IOS SAGAR deployments, and information sharing workshops to enhance operational interaction and capability.
**Indian Navy**
*Impact:* Increased responsibility in leading and shaping the IONS agenda for maritime cooperation and security.
*Action Required:* Implement planned initiatives, strengthen working groups, and manage the upgraded IONS website to enhance usability and secure engagement.
Key Entities Referenced
Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): A forum aimed at increasing maritime cooperation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.
Indian Navy: Assumed Chairmanship of IONS.
Visakhapatnam: Location of the 9th Conclave of Chiefs of IONS.
Ministry of Defence
INDIA ASSUMES CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE
INDIAN OCEAN NAVAL SYMPOSIUM
Posted On: 20 FEB 2026 8:30PM by PIB Delhi
The 9th Conclave of Chiefs of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) convened at Visakhapatnam
on 20 Feb 2026, bringing together Chiefs of Navies and Heads of Maritime Security Agencies from 33
countries, representing IONS Members, Observers, and other Indian Ocean littoral nations. Participation
spanning from the Atlantic to the Pacific reflected the growing alignment of like-minded navies
committed to strengthening maritime cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean Region.
In a historic moment for the forum, the Indian Navy assumed the Chairmanship of IONS from the
Royal Thai Navy, marking India’s return to the helm after 16 years. Having earlier held the
inaugural Chairmanship from 2008 to 2010, India now takes forward the forum that has evolved into a
central platform for professional maritime collaboration. Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff
and Chair of IONS, articulated a clear and forward-leaning vision to reinforce the functional relevance of
IONS by strengthening its Working Groups on Maritime Security, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster
Relief, and Information Sharing and Interoperability as the principal drivers of cooperation.
Key developments during the Conclave included the launch of the upgraded IONS website, undertaken by
the Indian Navy to enhance usability, institutional continuity, and secure engagement among member
navies. The Philippines was included as an Observer, and Oman joined the IONS Working Group on
HADR, further enhancing the scope of collaborative engagement under IONS and widening forum’s
cooperative reach.
India also outlined initiatives to be advanced during its tenure, including the conduct of the IONS
Maritime Exercise (IMEX), continued deployment of IOS SAGAR to IONS member countries with
participation of personnel from IONS navies and maritime security agencies onboard, and structured
Maritime Information Sharing Workshops and dialogues aimed at enhancing operational interaction,
professional exchange, and capability enhancement.
The 9th Conclave marks a renewed phase in the evolution of IONS. As India assumes the Chair, it signals
strengthened momentum, expanded engagement, and a deeper collective commitment to maritime stability
in the Indian Ocean Region.****
VM/SPS 33/26
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