Indian Navy to Convene Emerging Leaders Discussion on Maritime Security in Kochi with 18 IONS Nations
The Indian Navy is set to organize the 'Emerging Leaders Panel Discussion' as part of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), scheduled for August 27-28, 2025, at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi.
This two-day event will bring together young naval officers from 18 IONS member nations. These participants will engage in discussions on contemporary and emerging maritime security issues. The panel's objectives include fostering multilateral cooperation, strengthening regional frameworks, and nurturing the next generation of maritime leaders within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, will inaugurate the event as the Chief Guest.
Key Themes of Discussion
| Themes | Details |
|---|---|
| Strategic Importance of the IOR and Current Challenges | Perspectives from young officers on issues such as piracy, terrorism, humanitarian crises, and geopolitical tensions. |
| Emerging Technologies in Maritime Security | Role of unmanned systems, AI, cyber tools, and space-based surveillance in enhancing operational effectiveness. |
| Future Role of IONS in Maritime Collaboration | Strategies for joint cooperation, intelligence sharing, and capacity building. |
| Harnessing Training Capabilities | Roadmap for joint exercises, training exchanges, and doctrinal development to boost interoperability among member navies. |
Strengthening Maritime Diplomacy
IONS, initiated by the Indian Navy in 2008, has emerged as a vital platform for maritime dialogue and interoperability among Indian Ocean littoral states. With more than 20 navies and 300 personnel expected to attend the event in Kochi, the panel will serve as a significant platform for strategic cooperation.
The Ministry of Defence emphasized that this event underscores India's vision of the Indian Ocean as a zone of peace and cooperation, with a focus on preparing young leaders to confront evolving challenges.
This event follows India's hosting of the IONS Working Group on Maritime Security in June 2025 in New Delhi, where nations reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a secure and open Indian Ocean.
By emphasizing youth leadership, technology, and joint training, the panel discussion in Kochi underscores India's role as a net security provider in the region and its dedication to enhancing collective maritime security.
