India takes over chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium after 16 years at Visakhapatnam conclave
The Indian Navy assumed the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) from the Royal Thai Navy at the 9th Conclave of Chiefs in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on 20 February 2026, returning to the helm after 16 years.
Summary
The Indian Navy assumed the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) from the Royal Thai Navy at the 9th Conclave of Chiefs in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on 20 February 2026, returning to the helm after 16 years. Navy chiefs and heads of maritime security agencies from 33 countries attended. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, as IONS Chair, said India will strengthen the working groups on Maritime Security, HADR, and Information Sharing and Interoperability. The Philippines was admitted as an Observer and Oman joined the HADR working group; India plans the IONS Maritime Exercise (IMEX) and further deployments of IOS SAGAR during its tenure. Static link: India held the inaugural IONS chairmanship from 2008 to 2010.
Key facts
- Date and place
- 20 February 2026, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
- Event
- 9th Conclave of Chiefs of IONS
- Handover
- From the Royal Thai Navy to the Indian Navy
- Return
- After 16 years; India was the first Chair, 2008–2010
- Participation
- 33 countries
- New members
- Philippines as Observer; Oman joins the HADR working group
- Plans
- IONS Maritime Exercise (IMEX), IOS SAGAR deployments
Practice MCQs 3 questions
From which navy did India take over the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) on 20 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Royal Thai Navy
The Indian Navy assumed IONS chairmanship from the Royal Thai Navy at the 9th Conclave of Chiefs in Visakhapatnam.
At the 9th IONS Conclave of Chiefs in February 2026, which country was admitted as an Observer?
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Correct answer: A — Philippines
The Philippines was included as an Observer, while Oman joined the IONS Working Group on HADR.
Consider the following statements about the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): 1. India held the inaugural IONS chairmanship from 2008 to 2010. 2. The 9th Conclave of Chiefs in 2026 was held at Kochi. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. India was the first Chair (2008–2010); the 9th Conclave of Chiefs was held at Visakhapatnam on 20 February 2026.