9th IONS CONCLAVE OF CHIEFS

At Visakhapatnam, India — 20 Feb 2026

1. Background

9th Conclave of Chiefs (COC) of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium was conducted V Convention Hall, Novotel at Visakhapatnam on 20 Feb 26 by IONS Sect, IN. The conclave witnessed participation from 33 Chiefs of Navies/ Heads of Delegations from IONS member states, observers, and IOR littoral states. The deliberations were structured to build upon outcomes of IONS Preparatory Workshop 2025 (IPW-25), and provide strategic direction to the Working Groups (IWGs) for the forthcoming Chairmanship cycle. The schedule of the conclave is placed at Appendix A.

2. Delegation Details and Schedule

Delegations from 20 members countries (Australia, Bangladesh, France, Indonesia, India, Iran, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Mozambique, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor Leste, UK and UAE), 8 Observers (Japan, Korea, Madagascar, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Italy and Russia) 4 IOR littoral countries (Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt and Somalia) participated in the Conclave. A total of 92 delegates participated in the conclave. Delegation List of Chiefs of Navies/ Maritime Agencies and Head of Delegations are placed at Appendix B

3. Welcome Address

Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Indian Navy welcomed the Chiefs/ Heads of Maritime agencies and delegates and underscored the shared commitment of IONS members to dialogue, mutual understanding and maritime cooperation. He observed that the Indian Ocean maritime environment is increasingly complex, with challenges ranging from illegal maritime activities to natural disasters, which transcend national boundaries and highlight the interdependence of maritime security interests. He emphasised the importance of sustained dialogue, coordination, information sharing and trustbuilding among navies to address these shared concerns.

4. Remarks by C-in-C, Royal Thailand Navy

Admiral Pirote Fuangchan, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thailand Navy congratulated the incoming Chair on the assumption of IONS Chairmanship and reflected on the steady progress and collaborative spirit demonstrated during Thailand’s tenure from 2024 to 26. He observed that IONS is presently in a phase of institutional transition and consolidation, requiring continued emphasis on inclusivity, coherence and functional cooperation. He expressed confidence that the incoming Chair would sustain momentum across the Working Groups and ongoing initiatives in a spirit of consensus and mutual respect. The House noted his reaffirmation that IONS remains an important mechanism for advancing collective maritime security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.

5. Formal Handing Over of Chairmanship

A formal ceremonial handing over of the IONS Chairmanship was conducted, signifying the transition of stewardship from the Royal Thai Navy to the Indian Navy and marking the commencement of the 2026–2028 Chairmanship cycle.

6. Remarks by Chief of Naval Staff, India — Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi

Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff and Chair of IONS observed that it was a privilege for the Indian Navy to assume the IONS Chairmanship after sixteen years and expressed his appreciation towards all previous Chairs for their stewardship, with particular acknowledgment of the Royal Thai Navy's leadership during the preceding tenure. He described the Indian Ocean as a shared strategic maritime space whose stability underpins regional and global prosperity, and noted that contemporary maritime challenges increasingly require coordinated and collective responses.

The chair proposed anchoring future cooperative efforts under CORE, encompassing enhanced Cooperation among maritime security agencies, improved Operational awareness through shared understanding of the maritime domain, strengthened Resilience to security challenges and disasters, and deeper Engagement through professional exchanges and constructive dialogue.

The Chairman also reaffirmed that, during the current Chairmanship cycle, emphasis would be placed on strengthening the Working Groups, expanding the scope and relevance of IONS Maritime Exercises, and enhancing practical information-sharing arrangements. He reiterated the commitment to advancing inclusive, consensus-driven cooperation aimed at reinforcing maritime security and stability across the Indian Ocean Region.

7. IONS Commemorative Video

A commemorative video chronicling IONS' journey was presented, highlighting key milestones from 2008 to 2026. The video traced the evolution from ancient maritime trade routes to modern maritime security challenges whilst emphasising IONS' evolution into a critical multilateral forum for addressing emerging challenges in the Indian Ocean Region.

8. Launch of Upgraded IONS Website

Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi unveiled the comprehensively upgraded IONS website ions.global. Some of the salient features of the upgraded website is as follows: -

9. IONS Essay Competition Awards

Admiral Pirote Fuangchan, Commander-in-Chief, Royal Thai Navy, presented awards for IONS Essay competition 2025 as follows: -

• First Prize ($500): Cdr Subhash Ranjan, Indian Navy
• Second Prize ($300): Cdr Sugendran Nagalan, Royal Malaysian Navy
• Third Prize ($150): First Admiral Evan Mario Andrew (Royal Malaysian Navy)

Reports by Co-Chairs of IONS Working Groups (2024–26)

10. IWG Information Sharing and Interoperability (IS&I)

The Representative of the Royal Australian Navy briefed on activities under IWG IS&I, co-chaired by Australia and France. The briefing highlighted two principal initiatives: development of the IONS Guide for Cooperation with the Maritime Industry, intended to provide a structured framework for naval–merchant maritime engagement, and continued efforts toward adoption of an interoperable digital information-sharing platform to enhance maritime information exchange among Member States. The House noted that these initiatives are designed to strengthen practical connectivity, promote common procedures, and improve interoperability across participating navies. It was observed that sustained progress in these areas would further reinforce IONS' collaborative approach to maritime domain awareness and information cooperation.

11. IWG Maritime Security (MARSEC)

The Representative of the Indian Navy briefed on activities undertaken under IWG MARSEC during the co-chairmanship of India and Iran. The briefing covered three principal engagements: the conduct of IONS Maritime Exercise (IMEX-24) in Iran, the IWG MARSEC Meeting held in New Delhi in June 2025, and the Emerging Leaders Panel Discussion conducted in Kochi in August 2025. Further towards way ahead for the upcoming cycle, it was indicated that priority areas would include refinement of the MARSEC Guidelines, validation of the IONS Tactical Publication during IMEX 2027, and further enhancement of capability enhancement initiatives. Proposed initiatives include deployment of Indian Ocean Ship Sagar with personnel from IONS member countries from Mar – May 26.

12. IWG Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)

The Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy briefed on activities conducted under the IWG HADR during the co-chairmanship of Iran and India. The presentation highlighted three principal activities, namely International Congress on Maritime Medicine and HADR Experience Exchange held in Tehran in Nov 24, the HADR IWG Meeting convened at Nowshahr in Oct 25, and IONS Medical Conference conducted at Mumbai in Nov 25. At the conclusion of the presentation, a short video depicting these activities was screened.

Agenda Points

13. Agenda Points for 9th conclave of Chiefs were formulated from pending resolutions of 8th Conclave, recommendations of IPW 25 and working level discussions. A total of 16 Agenda points were formulated as enunciated in succeeding paragraphs.

Pending Resolutions from 8th Conclave

Agenda 1 — Adoption of IONS Charter of Business

14. The Charter of Business (COB) defines membership categories, norms, decision-making procedures, and conduct of IONS activities. The IONS Charter of Business version 3.0 was amended to incorporate 66% quorum clause for decision making as recommended by IPW 2025. Charter of Business ver 3.1 with inclusion of 10.3.1 stating the following was adopted by consensus.

• Bring together more than half of the Members in person, and
• Require a quorum of at least two thirds into account any member attending and voting remotely by live video link.

Agenda 2 — Review of IWG Concept Papers

15. The IWG concept papers set out the aims, guidelines, and priority areas of cooperation for each Working Group. As per Article 4.3.1 of Terms of Reference for IWG ‘ At the beginning of a term of office, the Co-Chairs are to draft or update the Concept Papers to define the main directions of work, the goals, and the means to achieve them’. The chair conveyed that Concept Notes for IWGs may be revised by co- chairs at the beginning of the term in office as per laid out provisions of Terms of Reference of IONS Working Group and the agenda was closed.

Agenda 3 — Adoption of IWG MARSEC Guidelines

16. IWG MARSEC Guidelines was formulated by Iranian Navy in 2019. All IONS members were requested to review the MARSEC Guidelines during IPW 25. Subsequently, based on the resolution of IWG MARSEC meeting in Jun 25, Indian Navy undertook revision of draft IWG MARSEC Guidelines, which was forwarded to all members for comments/ Inputs. The revised MARSEC Guidelines incorporating comments/ inputs were adopted by consensus. The chair conveyed that adoption of IWG MARSEC Guidelines is a positive step towards enhancing Maritime Security Cooperation among IONS Countries and appreciated the Working Group for their efforts. He further stated that this is a start point and that the document may be refined further.

Agenda 4 — Adoption of IWG HADR Guidelines

17. During 8th CoC, HADR Guidelines were approved except the Para 3.5 regarding Coordination of HADR operations. In IPW 2025, IWG HADR Guidelines 3.2 with an amendment to the Para specifying that the ‘first country receiving HADR request is to assume the role of Lead Country and in case of non-feasibility, seek assistance from another IONS country keeping IONS Sectt informed’, was recommended. IWG HADR Guidelines 3.2 with amended para 3.5 was adopted by consensus.

Agenda 5 — Adoption of IONS Flag Guidelines

18. The IONS Flag Guidelines were formulated to standardise Flag display and protocol for IONS events. During IPW-25, amendment to positioning of IONS flag in meetings, wherein IONS Flag to be displayed after all national flags was recommended. The IONS Flag Guidelines were adopted by consensus.

Agenda 6 — Adoption of IONS Tactical Publication (ITP)

19. ITP was validated during IMEX 24 off Iran, based on recommendations of IPW 22. Subsequently, as a resolution of IWG MARSEC meeting held in Jun 25, a revision of ITP was undertaken by Indian Navy with inputs/comments of all members. ITP was adopted by consensus and the Chair remarked that the publication is to be validated during IONS Maritime Exercise planned in 2027.

Agenda 7 — Upgradation of IONS Website

20. TThe upgraded IONS website ions.global featuring migration from Drupal to Word Press, enhanced UI, stronger security, and improved mobile version. Member states were encouraged to submit suggestions for continuous improvements during India's chairmanship, with comprehensive review scheduled at next Conclave of Chiefs in 2028. The website upgrade was formally accepted as launched.

Pending Resolutions of IPW 25

Agenda 8 — IONS Chairmanship for 2030–32

21. As per chair rotation policy, Saudi Arabia is Chair (West Asia region) for IONS for the period 2028 – 30. As per geographic sequence, volunteers were requested from East Africa region for IONS Chairmanship for 2030- 32 and Kenya Navy volunteered. Kenya’s bid for chairmanship was adopted by consensus. The Chair congratulated to Kenya Navy on their election, with anticipation for continuous engagement to ensure seamless transitions.

Agenda 9 — Host for IPW 2027 and 2029

22. Saudi Arabia volunteered to host IPW 2027 and Iran volunteered for IPW 2029. Both nominations were endorsed by consensus. Chair expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia and Iran for stepping forward to host IPWs.

Agenda 10 — Co-chairs for IWG HADR and IWG MARSEC

23. Pursuant to Article 4.2 of IWG Terms of Reference, India and Iran were approved by consensus to continue as co-chairs for both IWG MARSEC and IWG HADR for 2026-28. The chair also highlighted various forthcoming activities planned by India, including deployment of Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR and IONS Maritime Exercise in table top format Mar 26.

Agenda 11 — Co-Chairs of IWG IS&I

24. Pursuant to Article 4.2 of IWG Terms of Reference, Australia and France were approved to continue as co-chairs of IWG IS&I for 2026-28. The Chair congratulated the Australian and French Navy’s noting that substantial work accomplished over the past two years which would be further consolidated with both navies continuing.

Agenda 12 — Membership of Oman in IWG HADR

25. Oman sought membership in IWG HADR. Following discussion at IPW 2025 enabling general consensus, Oman's membership was adopted in absentia by consensus.

Agenda 13 — Observer Status for Philippines in IONS

26. Philippines requested observer status via the IONS Secretariat, Thailand in Oct 25. The Chair noted that the request aligns with Indo-Pacific continuum linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Observer status was formally granted by consensus.

Agenda 14 — IONS Guide on Cooperation with Maritime Industry

27. The Guide on Cooperation with Maritime Industry, formulated by Australia under IWG IS&I, remains work in progress. The Chair thanked Australia for their efforts and emphasised the guide's long-term value. Australia conveyed that member nation inputs would be incorporated and revised draft to be forwarded by June 26 for comments/ inputs followed by subsequent discussions in IPW 27.

Agenda 15 — Calendar of Events

28. The Calendar of Events, formulated based on IPW 2025 recommendations, was integrated into the updated IONS website. The calendar was formally adopted as a dynamic feature on the IONS website. The calendar was formally adopted as a dynamic feature on the IONS website. Member states were invited to submit planned activities within two months for initial inclusion. The Chairman stated that regular inputs may be given by member counties towards updation and to maintain currency.

Agenda 16 — IONS Essay Competition 2026

29. The theme for the next IONS Essay Competition was declared as "Technology-Enabled Maritime Supply Chain Resilience in the Indian Ocean Region: Risk Disruptions and Naval Responses." Following discussion on timeline concerns, the submission deadline was extended to 15 August 2026. Prize structure was revised to $1,000 (1st), $750 (2nd), and $500 (3rd), funded by the Chair nation. Assessment criteria and theme overview was to be published on the IONS website.

Closing Remarks by Chairman IONS

30. Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy and Chairman IONS, commended conclave's exceptional efficiency in completing all agenda items with tangible outcomes. He highlighted five landmark achievements: adoption of revised IONS Charter of Business, adoption of IWG MARSEC and IONS Flag Guidelines, launch of upgraded IONS website, Volunteers for Conduct if IPW in 2027 and 2029, and confirmation of future Chairs (Saudi Arabia for 2028-2030 and Kenya for 2030-2032). The Chairman acknowledged the forum's maturity in evolving from dialogue to functional cooperation, reaffirming India's commitment to strengthen IONS as a trust-building platform for maritime peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region.

Final Resolutions — 9th Conclave of Chiefs

The final resolutions of the 9th Conclave of Chiefs are tabulated below:

Appendix A — Programme, 9th Conclave of Chiefs

18 Feb 26

20 Feb 26

Appendix B — Heads of Delegation, 9th IONS CoC