The 9th Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs will be held in Visakhapatnam today. Naval Chiefs from several countries are expected to attend the high-level gathering. The event coincides with the International Fleet Review (IFR) and MILAN 2026, adding to its strategic significance.

 

At the conclave, the Chief of the Naval Staff will assume the Chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium from the Royal Thai Navy. India will lead the forum for the 2026-2028 term. This marks its second tenure as Chair since IONS was launched in 2008 in New Delhi.

 

IONS is a voluntary and inclusive platform that brings together navies of the Indian Ocean Region. It promotes maritime security, cooperation and humanitarian assistance. The conclave will deliberate on shared maritime challenges and efforts to strengthen collective security in the region.