Indian Navy hosts IONS Working Group Meeting on Maritime Security
From 24 to 25 June 2025 in New Delhi, the Indian Navy hosted the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Working Group Meeting on Maritime Security (IWG-MARSEC).
Summary
The Indian Navy hosted the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Working Group Meeting on Maritime Security (IWG-MARSEC) in New Delhi from 24 to 25 June 2025. Representatives of 13 IONS member nations attended: Australia, Bangladesh, France, India, Kenya, Mozambique, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Thailand. Rear Admiral Nirbhay Bapna, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Foreign Cooperation & Intelligence), gave the key address. Delegates discussed information-sharing frameworks, Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and harmonised operational guidelines for coordinated regional responses. IONS (static) describes itself as a voluntary initiative to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.
Key facts
- Meeting
- IONS Working Group on Maritime Security (IWG-MARSEC)
- Dates and venue
- 24–25 June 2025, New Delhi
- Participants
- 13 IONS member nations
- Key address
- Rear Admiral Nirbhay Bapna, ACNS (FC&I)
- Focus
- Information sharing, Maritime Domain Awareness, harmonised operational guidelines
- IONS (static)
- Voluntary initiative of navies of Indian Ocean littoral states
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Where did the Indian Navy host the IONS Working Group Meeting on Maritime Security (IWG-MARSEC) on 24–25 June 2025?
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Correct answer: C — New Delhi
PIB: the Indian Navy hosted the IWG-MARSEC from 24 to 25 Jun 2025 in New Delhi.
Representatives of how many IONS member nations took part in the IWG-MARSEC held in June 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 13
PIB: the event brought together representatives from 13 IONS member nations.
Which of the following best describes the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), as stated on its official website?
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Correct answer: A — A voluntary initiative to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region
IONS website: IONS is a voluntary initiative to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region through an open and inclusive forum.