India assumes presidency of IONS after 16 years, raises concerns about maritime security:After nearly 16 years, India has returned to the helm of this forum.

News Topical, Digital Desk : The Chiefs of Naval Staff (CNS) conference of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium was held in Visakhapatnam on Friday. A historic moment was witnessed when the Indian Navy took over the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium from the Royal Thai Navy.

India has returned to the helm of this forum after nearly 16 years. Previously, India held its first presidency from 2008 to 2010. Now, India will once again shoulder the responsibility of leading this forum forward.

The maritime conference was attended by the chiefs of naval forces and representatives of maritime security agencies from 33 countries in the Indian Ocean. This was the 9th conclave of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS).

The presence of countries from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean in the meeting made it clear that both seriousness and solidarity regarding maritime security are increasing in the Indian Ocean region.

Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi gave a clear vision that India does not want IONS to remain just a formal platform but wants to make it a more active and functional platform.