Context:
The 8th edition of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs (CoC) was conducted by Royal Thai Navy at Bangkok, Thailand.
- Republic of Korea Navy was welcomed by the Conclave as the latest ‘Observer’.
Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):
- A voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states (states with coast) of the Indian Ocean Region.
- Inaugural edition – 2008, New Delhi (Indian Navy as the Chair for 2 years)
- Provides an open and inclusive forum for discussion of regionally relevant maritime issues.
- IONS Flag designed by – India
- Present Members – 34 (25 Members & 09 Observers)
- Member groups –
- South Asian Littorals – Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Pakistan, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and United Kingdom (British Indian Ocean Territory).
- South East Asian and Australian Littorals – Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste.
- East African Littorals – France (Reunion), Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, South Africa, and Tanzania.
- West Asian Littorals – Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.
India also took over as the co-Chair of IONS Working Groups on Maritime Security. India is also scheduled to take over as the Chair of IONS (2025-27) during 9th CoC planned to be conducted in India in end 2025.
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):
1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.
2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
The Indian Navy in 2008 chaired the inaugural IONS Seminar. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
