INDIAN OCEAN NAVAL SYMPOSIUM
PREPARATORY WORKSHOP - 2025

Hotel Mövenpick, Karachi, Pakistan — 21-22 April 2025

1. Introduction

Pakistan Navy (PN) hosted the IONS Preparatory Workshop 2025 (IPW-25) at Hotel Mӧvenpick, Karachi from 21-22 April 2025.

2. Participating Nations

29 x IONS nations (including Pakistan) participated in the workshop. Out of 29 nations, 7 x IONS nations participated through VTC Details are placed at Enclosure-1.

3. Scheduled Events

Schedule of events for IPW-25 are placed at Enclosure-2.

4. Ice Breaker / Reception Dinner

Ice Breaker/ Reception dinner was hosted in the honour of foreign delegates on 20 April 2025. Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (Operations) Vice Admiral Raja Rab Nawaz HI(M) Pakistan Navy graced the dinner as Chief Guest. The dinner was also attended by Pakistan Navy Officers from various Field Commands and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA).

Proceedings — Day 1 (21 April 2025)

5. Group Photograph

Proceedings of Day-1 started with the group photograph.

6. Opening Session

IPW - 25 formally commenced at 0900 on 21 April 2025. The opening session was chaired by Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (Operations) Vice Admiral Raja Rab Nawaz HI(M) Pakistan Navy, whereas, Director Foreign Military Collaboration, acted as Secretary of the IPW. The proceedings of IPW-25 started with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by introductory video on Pakistan Navy.

7. Welcome Address

Vice Admiral Raja Rab Nawaz HI(M), Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (Operations) Pakistan Navy formally welcomed all the foreign delegates and thanked them for their participation in the workshop. During his welcome address, the Admiral dilated upon the importance of IONS as a platform and reaffirmed Pakistan Navy’s commitment in strengthening maritime security through dialogue, collaboration and mutual understanding. He further expressed hope that with the cooperation and mutual support of all visiting delegates, the workshop will achieve its aims and objectives in the best interests of the region.

8. Presentations of Papers by PN

Pakistan Navy presented 3 x papers on the theme “Maritime Security Collaboration in Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Challenges & Opportunities”, as per following details:

• Paper - I was presented by Rear Admiral Faisal Ali Shah HI(M) Pakistan Navy (Retd) on “Improving Governance in IOR to prevent Illegal Maritime Activities; Regional Ownership and Collaborative Mechanism”. The officer underlined the contemporary challenges in maritime arena and emphasized the need of collaborative approach in addressing these challenges.
• Paper - II was presented by Barrister Nudrat Bayan Majeed on “Utilizing the IOR Legal Framework for better Governance and Stability on the Seas”. The guest speaker provided thoughtful insight on existing legal instruments and frameworks that govern maritime construct in the IOR. She also emphasized on harmonization and effective implementation of international maritime laws, dispute resolutions, provision of level playing field for all the nations and introduction of a dedicated IONS working group for maritime law.
• Paper - III was presented by Commodore Umar Hayat, Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Operational Plans) Pakistan Navy on “Peaceful Indian Ocean - PN Roles and initiatives in maintaining Peace and Stability in IOR”.

9. Review of CoC-23 Decisions

Progress on the Conclave of Chief 2023 (CoC-23) resolutions was presented to the house. 5 x resolutions were ongoing, whereas 9 x resolutions were completed. Details are placed at Enclosure-3.

10. Charter of Business / Documentation

1. Charter of Business Review. During CoC-23, Charter of Business (CoB) Version 3 was endorsed except item 10.1.3 concerning quorum. In this regard, French and Indian Navy proposal were discussed, as follows:
   1. French Proposal. Quorum to be considered valid in terms of decision-making, a CoC must:
      1. Bring together more than half of the Members in person (13 out of 25), and
      2. Require a quorum of at least two-thirds (17 out of 25) taking into account any Members attending and voting remotely by live video link.
   2. Indian Proposal. Quorum to be considered valid in terms of decision-making, a CoC must:
      1. Bring together greater than half of the Members in person (13 out of 25), and
      2. Require a quorum of at least four-fifths (20 out of 25) taking into account any Members attending and voting remotely by live video link
2. The Rep of Royal Thai Navy (IONS Sectt) apprised the house that statistically around 60 - 70% IONS nations attends the CoC and same was also witnessed during CoC-23. Therefore, French Navy proposal is considered more practical. It may be highlighted that Royal Australian Navy and Royal Netherlands Navy also supported the French Navy proposal.
3. During the discussion, Indian Navy rep through VTC also endorsed the French proposal. Moreover, no other attendees commented on the agenda item. Accordingly, only French Navy proposal will be tabled during CoC-25 for approval.

11. IONS Flag Guideline

In accordance with CoC-23 decisions, IONS Flag Guidelines were prepared by Royal Thai Navy (IONS Sectt) and were brief during the session. The rep of Royal Thai Navy informed the house that Indian Navy has also proposed guidelines for use of IONS Flag which are almost similar to Royal Thai Navy guidelines except placement of IONS Flag. Details are as under:

• Royal Thai Navy Proposal. IONS Flag shall be displayed after the IONS members and Observers countries flags.
• Indian Navy Proposal. IONS Flag shall be displayed soon after host country’s flag.

12. During the discussion, rep of Royal Australian Navy highlighted that IONS flag is a non-state flag, therefore, placement of the flag as per IONS Sectt proposal is supported. Moreover, Reps of Royal Navy and Royal Netherlands Navy also supported the Royal Australia Navy’s stance. In addition, rep from Iranian Navy suggested that the agenda may be taken in HADR IWG meeting scheduled in October 2025 at Iran.

13. Accordingly, it was endorsed that Guidelines made by IONS Sectt will be tabled during 9 th CoC for subsequent approval. Moreover, IONS Sectt informed that upon approval, the IONS Flag Guidelines will become a part of IONS CoB as a separate Annex.

14. IONS Table Top Exercise (TTX)

Rep of Royal Thai Navy presented a brief on IONS Table Top Exercise. During the briefing, it was informed that the exercise is scheduled to be held from 28 July - 1 August 2025 at Bangkok, Thailand on the theme “Silent Tides” - Maritime Health & Environmental Security in the Indian Ocean. It was further apprised that 2 x reps from each member nation and 1 x rep from each observer nation will be invited to attend the exercise.

15. During the discussion, Rep of Pakistan Navy inquired about boarding/ lodging arrangement for participants. In response, it was informed that boarding/ lodging facilities will be provided by Royal Thai Navy. In addition, rep of Iranian Navy inquired about the status of formal Letter of Invitation (LoI) for subject exercise. In response, Royal Thai Navy informed that LoI will be extended in May 2025. Furthermore, in response to the query of Royal Saudi Naval Forces rep about scope/ scenario of the exercise, Royal Thai Navy informed that exercise will primarily be focused on non-conventional threats and non-military operations such as crime reporting and HADR.

16. Secretary IPW-25 formally thanked all the participants for healthy discussion and concluded Day-1 of the workshop.

Proceedings — Day 2 (22 April 2025)

17. Opening Session

Day-2 of IPW - 25 commenced at 0900 on 22 April 2025. The proceedings began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by introductory Naqara (Call of Peace) video.

18. IONS Working Groups (IWG) Presentations

19. MARSEC IWG Presentation

MARSEC (Maritime Security) IWG presentation was delivered by rep of Iranian Navy. During the presentation, the planned and already conducted activities of MARSEC IWG during the Co-Chairmanship of Iran & India were briefed. Details are as follow:

• IONS Maritime Exercise 2024 (IMEX-24) was conducted from 17 - 21 October 2024 at Bandar Abbas, Iran.
• MARSEC IWG meeting is scheduled to be held at India from 23 - 25 June 2025.
• Emerging Leaders Panel Discussions under MARSEC IWG is scheduled to be held from 27 - 28 August 2025 at India.

20. The house was also informed that HADR IWG meeting scheduled to be held from 6 - 9 October 2025 at Tehran, Iran. In this regard, it was informed that formal Letter of Invitation (LoI) has already been extended wherein; Iranian Navy will provide boarding/ lodging and local transportation to all participants. Furthermore, the invitation has been extended in 2 + 4 ratio i.e. (1 x IONS PoC, 1 x Cdre/ Capt + 4 x Young Officers/ CPOs/ Sailors). The HADR IWG meeting will comprise of following activities:

• HADR IWG Meeting
• HADR Training Workshop
• HADR Competition

21. HADR IWG meeting will be held at Naval Academy of Imam Khomeini at Tehran and HADR Competition will be held at the port of Nowshahr. He presented short briefed about HADR Competition and informed that conduct modalities of said competition will be shared one month before the event.

22. During the presentation, rep of Iranian Navy also informed the house that Zero Draft of Guideline for Maritime Security IONS Working Group was distributed to all IONS nations during CoC-23. In this regard, he requested all IONS nations to review the document and any recommendations/ suggestions may be forwarded to MARSEC Co-Chairs or IONS Sectt prior tabling the document in upcoming CoC. During the discussion on the document, Pakistan Navy rep highlighted the following:

• Owing to decrease in piracy and armed robbery incidents in IOR, formulation of a Task Force amongst IONS member for continuous operations at sea is not immediately required.
• In order to suppress and eliminate illegal/ illicit maritime activities especially narco/ human trafficking and gun running, IONS member states should develop consensus for adopting common information sharing mechanism to include white shipping data and reporting suspicious/ unidentified traffic.
• Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre (JMICC) is national Point of Contact by PN for the purpose of information sharing.
• Exercises under the ambit of IONS may be aimed for capability development/ enhancement and sharing resources amongst IONS members for the purpose of search and rescue, salvage ops, marine pollution control, emergency medical and life support, personnel evacuation and disaster management etc. for mutual benefit of all.

23. It may be highlighted that no other country commented on the Zero Draft of Guideline for Maritime Security IONS Working Group. In this regard, the Secretary IPW requested all IONS nations to review the document and any pertinent suggestions/ recommendations may directly be shared with Co-Chairs or IONS Sectt.

24. HADR IWG Presentation

HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) IWG presentation was delivered by rep of Indian Navy through VTC. During the presentation, the planned and already conducted activities of HADR IWG during the Co-Chairmanship of Iran & India were briefed. Details are as follows:

• Maritime Medicine Conference and HADR Experience Exchange Workshop were conducted from 10 - 12 December 2024 at Iran. The event was attended by the medical officers from India, Iran, Oman, Pakistan and UAE.
• IONS Session - Dweep Diksha Dialogue was conducted from 19 - 20 December 2024 at India. The dialogue was attended by the reps of Australia, Bangladesh, India, Thailand, Maldives, Kenya, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.
• HADR IWG meeting along with HADR workshop is scheduled to be held at Tehran, Iran from 6 - 9 October 2025.

25. During the presentation, Indian Navy rep briefed the house about Indian Navy HADR Ops conducted during 2024. In addition, he informed that the IONS HADR Guidelines Version 3.2 is under deliberation since 2019, wherein, Royal Australian Navy has proposed few amendments in the document as per following details:

a. Coordination (Para 3.5)

b. Additions

Royal Australian Navy proposes following additions in revised HADR guidelines:

• Reporting template for seeking disaster assistance.
• Reference Guidelines for NEO.

26. After the presentation, Secretary IPW opened the house for discussion, wherein, Pakistan Navy rep inquired about the important conclusions and outcomes of Maritime Medicine Conference and Dweep Diksha Dialogue. In response, Indian Navy rep informed that the pertinent lessons/ recommendations of Dweep Diksha Dialogue will be shared with IONS Sectt. Moreover, rep of Iranian Navy informed the house that Maritime Medicine Conference was conducted for the first time and no written report was formulated, however, if IPW decides, the proceedings will be shared with IONS Sectt.

27. During the discussion, Indian Navy rep requested all IONS nation to review HADR Guidelines Version 3.2 including the amendments proposed by the Royal Australian Navy. Moreover, any valuable suggestions/ comments may be forwarded to Co-Chairs or IONS Sectt.

28. IS&I IWG Presentation

A presentation on the resolutions of IS&I (Information Sharing and Interoperability) IWG meeting held in Australia in 12-15 August 2024 was delivered by rep of Royal Australian Navy. During the presentation, the house was informed that IS&I IWG did not review the IONS Concept Document and IONS ToRs. In addition, details of resolutions of IS&I IWG are as follows:

• Resolution 1 - IONS Nations Endorse the IONS Guide for Cooperation with the Maritime Industry Rep of Royal Australian Navy apprised the house that the IS&I working group has drafted the IONS Guide for Cooperation with the Maritime Industry after detail working. He requested all the members to review the document and any comments/ suggestions may be forwarded to Co-Chairs or IONS Sectt prior tabling the document in upcoming CoC.
• During the discussion, rep of Saudi Arabia highlighted that the document may be consulted by each IONS nation and necessary views/ comments may be forwarded prior CoC. In addition, Pakistan Navy rep proposed that cooperation amongst navies, coast guards and maritime organization for improving SAR operations may also be included in the guide. Moreover, as the guide has recently been formulated, therefore, it was recommended by Pakistan Navy rep that same may be tabled during next IS&I IWG meeting for detailed discussion/ deliberation among the IWG members. In response, rep of Royal Australian Navy informed that guide has been formulated after a thorough deliberation and may be approved during upcoming CoC. Moreover, any suggestion/ input will be incorporated as and when required.
• Resolution 2 - IONS nations are encouraged to either develop or update their existing Maritime Information Exchange Directory (MIED) The house was briefed about the importance of updated MIED for timely sharing of information in maritime domain. Moreover, it was agreed that the all IONS nations may update their MIED to generate appropriate response against any incident at sea. In addition, Secretary IPW informed the house that any valuable comments can be directly forwarded to IS&I Co-Chairs or IONS Sectt.
• Resolution 3 - IONS nations endorse the IS&I IWG Terms of Reference dated 15 Aug 24. It was briefed to the house that the IS&I IWG ToRs have been formulated keeping in view the prevailing security environment. During the discussion, Secretary IPW highlighted that the newly formulated ToRs are considered comprehensive and invited the participants for discussion on the resolution; however, no point was raised. Accordingly, Secretary IPW informed that any valuable comments can be directly forwarded to IS&I Co-Chairs or IONS Sectt on the subject ToRs.
• Resolution 4 - IONS nations are recommended to adopt an interoperable digital information sharing platform Rep of French Navy apprised the house on IORIS software being used for information sharing. During the discussion, rep of Saudi Arabia highlighted that during IMEX 23; the software was under trial and inquired about the present status of the software. In response, French Navy rep highlighted that the software is presently operational and further update about the status will be shared in due course of time. In addition, rep of Iranian Navy highlighted that they are not in possession of Login ID of the software. He further proposed that the software may be used during upcoming Table Top Exercise in Thailand.
• Rep of Pakistan Navy highlighted the connectivity issues faced during IMEX 23 while using IORIS and informed that Pakistan Navy has formally requested for Login ID of the software and requested French Navy rep to support in expediting the case. In addition, rep of Indian Navy also proposed that more examination of the software is required, in which, Indian Navy will get in touch with French Navy directly.
• Resolution 5 - IONS Nations note the update IONS Guide for Sea Riders and IONS Information Sharing Template dated 15 Aug 24. The house was invited for any input on the resolution; however, no discussion was generated. Accordingly, Secretary IPW informed that house that Pakistan supports the changes made in both the documents and requested all the members to forward views/ comments to IS&I Co-Chairs or IONS Sectt.
• Resolution 6 - Updated version of documents be uploaded on IONS website. It was reiterated that IONS website manager may upload the latest version of all the documents on IONS website. The suggestion was concurred by Indian Navy rep. The house was opened for valuable views/ comments on the resolution; however, no discussion was generated. Accordingly, Secretary IPW informed that house that input (if any) may be forwarded to IS&I Co-Chairs or IONS Sectt.
• During the discussion, Australian Navy rep emphasized on formulation of permanent IONS Sectt in line with Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) for repository of IONS historical archives.

29. Next IONS Chairmanship

IPW agreed for next Chairmanships of IONS i.e. India from 2025-2027 and Saudi Arabia from 2027-2029. House was opened for volunteer of Chairmanship from 2029-2031 as per geographical sequence i.e., from East African Region. However, no member volunteered for the Chairmanship. In this regard, Secretary IPW informed that house that volunteers may forward their applications directly to IONS Sectt for subsequent approval during upcoming CoC.

30. In addition, rep of Royal Saudi Naval Forces inquired about the tentative dates of 9 th CoC. In response, Indian Navy rep informed that the CoC is tentatively planned in 1st week of February 2026.

31. Next IPW Hosts

IPW agreed that Iran will host the IPW-2026. Thereafter, Secretary IPW opened the house for volunteers for conduct of IPW-2028. However, none of the attendees volunteered to host IPW-2028. In this regard, IONS Sectt informed that they have also not received any application for hosting IPW-28. Subsequently, Secretary IPW informed the house that volunteers may forward their application directly to IONS Sectt for subsequent approval during upcoming CoC.

32. Future Nominations of IWG Co-Chairs

Currently, India and Iran are the Co-Chairs of MARSEC & HADR IWGs, whereas Australia & France are the CoChairs of IS&I IWG. Accordingly, house was opened for volunteers of Co-Chairs of all three working groups from 2025-2027. Details are as follows:

• Pakistan volunteered for Co-Chair of MARSEC & HADR IWG.
• Iran volunteered to continue Co-Chair of HADR and MARSEC.
• Rep of Royal Australian Navy informed that Australia is considering to step down from IS&I IWG Co-chair and will look for other options during 9th CoC.

33. Secretary IPW informed the house that volunteers may forward their application directly to IONS Sectt for subsequent approval during upcoming CoC.

34. IWG Membership Applications

IONS Sectt informed that they have received an application of Oman Navy to join the HADR IWG. Accordingly, Australia, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and United Kingdom supported the membership of Oman in HADR IWG. Furthermore, Secretary IPW requested all IONS nations to forward their comments to IONS Sectt prior upcoming CoC.

35. Other Businesses

Following was discussed during other businesses:

• Junior Officer Interaction Programme. Rep of Royal Australian Navy delivered a presentation on Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) Junior Officer Interaction Programme (JOIP) which was conducted during 18-23 March 2024 in Australia. The activity was attended by 37 x junior officers of 24 x WPNS Members & Observer countries and 13 x participants from Royal Australian Navy. He further apprised that Australia will conduct workshop for Junior Officers to foster links with IONS working groups in end of 2027. The proposal was supported by Pakistan, India and United Kingdom. During the discussion, Iranian Navy rep highlighted that the activities of JOIP are almost similar to the activities planned in Iran this year and the same can be conducted in Iran during IWG activities. In this regard, he apprised that the detailed modalities will be shared in due course of time after seeking approval from their respective headquarters.
• Rep of Pakistan Navy proposed that all IWG meetings may be conducted by Co-Chairs prior IPW for meaningful preparation of the agenda for next CoC. In this regard, rep of Saudi Arabia and Iran supported Pakistan Navy’s stance.
• Rep of Iranian Navy suggested that all IONS activities may be governed through a Calendar of Events (CoE), wherein, all ION activities with tentative schedule may be mentioned so that each nation can plan accordingly. Moreover, the calendar may be approved during each CoC.
• During IS&I IWG presentation, rep of Singapore highlighted that common structure/ format may be framed for all IONS documents. In this regard, Secretary requested IONS Sectt for formulation of common format for IONS documents in consultation with IONS nations.
• Rep of Australian Navy emphasized on formulation of permanent IONS Sectt in line with Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) for repository of IONS historical archives. In addition, he highlighted the efforts of Cdr Rowena Gaffney, Royal Australian Navy (recently relieved from IONS duties) in managing the IONS affairs.

36. Presentation on Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre (JMICC)

Presentation on Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre (JMICC) was delivered by Pakistan Navy rep (Director JMICC), wherein, roles and functioning of the organization was brief to the participants. JMICC has been established by Pakistan Navy in order to ensure timely sharing of information between relevant stakeholders in matters pertaining to maritime safety & security. The center is presently linked with 11 international and 52 national organizations for expeditious sharing of information in maritime domain.

37. During the discussion, rep of South Africa, through VTC, inquired about the procedure of establishing linkages with Pakistan Navy JMICC. In response, it was informed that establishment of formal linkages with other maritime organization is undertaken after seeking formal approvals through respective Headquarters. Moreover, informal sharing of data can be undertaken through available resources such as landline, email and fax etc.

38. IONS Essay Competition

IONS Sectt informed the house that IONS Essay Competition - 2023 which was held on the topic “Blue Economy: Way Forward for Sustainable Development of IONS Member States”. 51 participants from IONS nations submitted their essays. Thereafter, IONS Sectt announced the result of the competition, as under:

39. IONS Sectt congratulated all the winners and distributed cash prizes. Moreover, IONS Sectt announce the topic of next IONS Essay Competition i.e., “Cooperation on HADR: Providing Assistance, Protection and Preservation of Maritime Environment in IOR” and requested to submit the essay by 30 June 2025. After the prize distribution, delegation head of Royal Thai Navy (IONS Sectt) congratulated the prize winners and appreciated Pakistan Navy efforts in organizing the IPW-25.

40. Concluding Remarks

Commodore Umar Hayat, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Operational Plans) Pakistan Navy while concluding the IPW-25 extended heartfelt gratitude to each participant and reaffirmed the need of collective resolve to promote peace, security and stability in the Indian Ocean region.