Young Naval Leaders Chart Future of Maritime Cooperation at IONS Kochi Meet

Complementing the professional sessions, delegates engaged in cultural exchanges and social interactions that highlighted Kerala’s maritime heritage.

The ‘Emerging Leaders Panel Discussion’, held under the aegis of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi from August 27–28, brought together naval delegates from 19 member countries. The event provided an inclusive platform for young officers to share perspectives, exchange experiences, and deliberate on the evolving challenges and opportunities of maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

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Setting the Tone: Commitment to Cooperation

Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the Indian Navy’s commitment to fostering dialogue, mutual trust, and cooperative security across the IOR. He noted that the region’s maritime security is not just a matter of defence but also central to trade, connectivity, and climate resilience.

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Four Thematic Sessions of Deliberation

1. Strategic Importance of the IOR – Young Officers’ Perspective The opening session examined the geopolitical and strategic stakes of the Indian Ocean, including safeguarding vital sea lanes, ensuring maritime trade security, countering piracy, and mitigating climate-driven risks. Young naval officers presented innovative solutions to tackle evolving threats, underscoring the need for fresh thinking in maritime strategies.

2. Emerging Technologies in Maritime Security This session highlighted the growing role of AI-driven systems, unmanned platforms, cyber defence tools, and space-based surveillance in strengthening maritime domain awareness. Delegates agreed that harnessing emerging technologies will be critical to address new-age threats and enhance interoperability among navies.

3. Future Role of IONS in Maritime Security Cooperation On the second day, participants explored how IONS could evolve into a stronger platform for regional collaboration. The focus was on joint naval exercises, interoperability standards, and professional exchanges to foster trust and preparedness in the IOR.

4. Harnessing Training Capabilities – A Shared Roadmap The final session examined the pooling of training resources and the creation of common frameworks for skill-building across IONS countries. Proposals included regional training hubs, joint simulation programs, and standardised curricula for enhancing collective preparedness.

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Beyond Discussions: Building Camaraderie

Complementing the professional sessions, delegates engaged in cultural exchanges and social interactions that highlighted Kerala’s maritime heritage. These informal engagements deepened personal connections, creating goodwill that strengthens professional cooperation.

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Consensus and Way Forward

The two-day deliberations concluded with a broad consensus on:

• Enhancing maritime domain awareness through technology and information sharing.

• Building technological partnerships for surveillance and security.

• Expanding training linkages to build a skilled, interoperable naval force.

Delegates reaffirmed that IONS remains a voluntary, inclusive forum dedicated to strengthening regional maritime security through cooperation, dialogue, and trust-building.

The Emerging Leaders Panel Discussion ended with participating nations renewing their commitment to peace, prosperity, and stability in the Indian Ocean Region—a region that remains pivotal to global trade, energy flows, and strategic balance.