IONS 2023: 8th Edition Of Naval Chiefs Conclave Hosted in Bangkok

The Conclave of Naval Chiefs (CoC) was held at the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) from 19 to 22 December 2023. The Royal Thai Navy hosted the 8th edition of IONS 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand.

India will take over as the Chair of IONS (2025-2027) during the convening of the 9th Symposium. 

IONS member and observer countries participated:

• IONS 2023 was attended by Naval Chiefs and senior representatives from 27 member states and observer states.
• India was led at the event by Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Indian Naval Staff, along with a three-member delegation.

Thailand Becomes President of IONS:

• Host Thailand assumed the chair of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) during the Heads of Conclave.
• During IONS 2023, Thailand finalised its action plan for the next two years.

Flag of IONS:

• In this conclave, the flag prepared by India was first selected as the IONS flag.
• India also took over as the Co-Chair of the IONS Working Groups on Maritime Security and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief for the coming years.

IONS membership increases to 34:

• The Republic of Korea Navy was welcomed as the newest 'observer' at the conclave. With this, the collective strength or number of members of the Indian Ocean Naval Seminar has now increased to 34 (25 members and 09 observers).
• During the conclave, Admiral R Hari Kumar had fruitful discussions with Adm Adung Pan-Im, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy of host Thailand.
• Both sides expressed commitment to pursue defence activities between the two countries, including through bilateral naming conventions, based on historical and cultural ties. 
• On the sidelines of the symposium, Admiral R Hari Kumar also visited the Indian Naval Ship Kadmatt in Bangkok. INS Kadmatt is currently deployed in Bangkok for successful long range operations.

About Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):

• IONS was conceived by the Indian Navy in 2008.
• The first edition of IONS was held in New Delhi in February 2008. The Indian Navy held the responsibility of the first Chairman for two years (2008–2010).
• IONS aims to provide an open and inclusive forum to discuss regionally relevant maritime issues. Besides, maritime cooperation between the navies of the coastal countries of the Indian Ocean region has to be further increased.
• India will host the 9th Naval Chiefs' Seminar to be held in late 2025.
• IONS also works to ensure an effective response mechanism against natural disasters and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
• IONS Chairmanship:

1. India (2008-10),
2. United Arab Emirates (2010–12),
3. South Africa (2012–14),
4. Australia (2014–16),
5. Bangladesh (2016–18)
6. Islamic Republic of Iran (2018–21)
7. France (2021-23) and
8. Thailand (2023–25) Assumed the presidency for a two-year term in December 2023.
9. India (2025-27)