Visakhapatnam, Feb. 20 -- India on Friday assumed the Chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) at the 9th Conclave of Chiefs, held in Visakhapatnam, marking a significant milestone in regional maritime cooperation.

According to a statement, the conclave brought together Chiefs of Navies and Heads of Maritime Security Agencies from 33 countries, including IONS Members, Observers and other Indian Ocean littoral nations.

The wide participation, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, reflected growing alignment among navies committed to strengthening maritime security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

In a historic moment for the forum, the Indian Navy assumed the Chairmanship from the Royal Thai Navy, marking Ind...