Indian Navy reaffirms commitment to dialogue, trust and cooperative security in Indian Ocean Region

The emerging leaders panel discussion under the aegis of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) was conducted at Southern Naval Command, Kochi, from August 27-28, 2025.

Delegates from 19 member-countries participated, providing an inclusive platform for young naval leaders to exchange ideas and deliberate on the future of maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

According to the Indian Navy, Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, delivered the keynote address, reaffirming the Navy’s commitment to dialogue, trust and cooperative security in the IOR.

The event comprised four thematic sessions. The opening session examined the ‘Strategic Importance of the IOR and Challenges from the Perspective of Young Officers’, focusing on maritime trade security, climate change, geopolitical dynamics, and innovative solutions for safeguarding the region.

The second session, ‘Emerging Technologies in Maritime Security’, explored the role of AI-enabled systems, unmanned platforms, cybersecurity, reconnaissance and space-based surveillance in maritime operations.

Day Two featured discussions on the ‘Future Role of IONS in Fostering Collaboration Towards Maritime Security’, with emphasis on interoperability, joint exercises and professional exchanges. The concluding session, ‘Harnessing Training Capabilities Amongst IONS Countries – Future Road Map’, addressed pooling of resources, strengthening training linkages and developing common frameworks to enhance preparedness.

In addition to formal deliberations, participants engaged in cultural and social activities showcasing Kerala’s maritime heritage, fostering camaraderie and people-to-people ties.

The discussions concluded with consensus on enhancing maritime domain awareness, advancing technological partnerships, and expanding shared training initiatives. Delegates reaffirmed IONS’s role as an inclusive forum dedicated to collective maritime security and renewed their commitment to peace, prosperity, and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.