Fifteen member nations and one observer nation took on the topic of maritime security at the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium meeting of Chiefs, held during the Sea Power 2015 Conference.
Participants discussed common maritime issues facing littoral nation-states of the Indian Ocean.
Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, who is the current Chair of the Symposium said the forum is an important mechanism for regional dialogue:
Maritime security architecture is shaped and reinforced by forums like Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, which build cooperation and agreement, security and stability. By having an open and inclusive forum of discussion, we strengthen our ability to respond quickly and effectively in a multilateral framework, to maritime issues that impact our region.
The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium is a voluntary initiative that includes 22 nations that permanently hold territory that abuts or lies within the Indian Ocean, and four observer nations.
Australia holds the Chairmanship until the next Conclave of Chiefs, being held in Dhaka, Bangladesh in January 2016.
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Image: Australian Navy