Indian Ocean Naval Symposium
The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) is a series of biennial meetings between the littoral states of the Indian Ocean region. It provides a forum to increase maritime security cooperation,discuss regional maritime issues, and promote friendly relationships among the member states.
History
The symposium was first held in 2008 with India as host.
The chairmanship and location of the Symposium rotates between the various member states.
Role
IONS is a security construct for the Indian Ocean region which is similar to the Western Pacific Naval Symposium. It is a voluntary initiative among the navies and maritime security agencies of the member nations. In addition to the symposiums, numerous other activities like workshops, essay competitions and lectures are also held under the umbrella of the organization.
Members and observers
Dark blue = member States
Light blue = observers
The 25 member nations of the IONS are grouped into four sub-regions.
Members
| Sub region | Member | Accession |
|---|---|---|
| South Asian | Bangladesh | |
| India | February 2008 | |
| Maldives | ||
| Pakistan | March 2014 | |
| Seychelles | ||
| Sri Lanka | ||
| West Asian | Iran | |
| Oman | ||
| Saudi Arabia | ||
| Qatar | ||
| UAE | ||
| East African | France | |
| Kenya | ||
| Mauritius | ||
| Mozambique | ||
| South Africa | ||
| Tanzania | ||
| Eritrea | ||
| South East Asian and Australian | Australia | |
| Indonesia | ||
| Malaysia | ||
| Myanmar | ||
| Singapore | ||
| Thailand | ||
| Timor Leste |
Observers
There are eight states with observer status:
List of symposiums
| Year | Edition | Host | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 1st | India | 14–16 February 2008 | |
| 2010 | 2nd | United Arab Emirates | 10–12 May 2010 | |
| 2012 | 3rd | South Africa | 10–14 April 2012 | |
| 2014 | 4th | Australia | 26 March 2014 | |
| 2016 | 5th | Bangladesh | 11–13 January 2016 | |
| 2018 | 6th | Iran | 22–25 April 2018 | |
| 2020 | 7th | Mayotte and Réunion | April 2020 |
|8th | Bangkok |Dec 19-22 2023 | |} The 7th edition of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium was held at Réunion, France. But during that, it was agreed upon to conduct the extant conclave of Chiefs in Paris. Eventually in November 2021 the conclave was concluded in Paris, France.