IONS conduct first edition of IMEX-22
Recently, the first edition of IONS Maritime Exercise 2022 (IMEX-22) was conducted in Goa and Arabian Sea.
- IONS stand for Indian Ocean Naval Symposium.
- The aim of this exercise is to promote mutual cooperation in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations among the navies of the member countries.
- 15 of the 24 member countries of IONS have participated in this exercise.
- An ION was established in the year 2007. This is a voluntary initiative. It aims to promote maritime cooperation between the navies of the littoral countries of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). To this end, it provides an open and inclusive forum for discussion on regionally relevant maritime issues.
- It has made possible discussions on regional maritime issues, fostered friendly relations, and led to significant improvements in maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
Significance of IONS for India:
- It provides a platform to strengthen and deepen relations with the littoral countries of the Indian Ocean.
- It provides an opportunity for India to realize its leadership potential and aspirations in the region, being a Nor-Security Provider.
- This is essential for realizing India’s vision of a rules-based and stable maritime order in the Indian Ocean region. It also helps counter-balance China’s growing presence in the IOR.
Source- The Hindu
