Indian Ocean Naval Symposium

Why in news?

• The seventh edition of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)  was hosted recently by the French Navy at La Reunion.

About Indian Ocean Naval Symposium:

• The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) is a series of biennial meetings between the littoral states of the Indian Ocean region.
• IONS, conceived by the Indian Navy in 2008, seeks to enhance maritime cooperation among Navies of the littoral states of the IOR by providing an open and inclusive forum for discussion of regionally relevant maritime issues that would lead to a common understanding on the way ahead.
• The symposium was first held in 2008 with India as host.
• There are 24 member nations grouped into four sub regions.
• It provides a forum to increase maritime security cooperation, discuss regional maritime issues, and promote friendly relationships among the member states.

Prelims Question

Consider the following statements regarding Indian Ocean Naval symposium
1.The first edition of the symposium was held in India.
2.China is not a member of the symposium.
Which of the above the statements is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to the Prelims Question