Why in news?

• Maiden edition of IONS Mari time Exercise 2022 (IMEX-22) was conducted at Goa and in Arabian Sea with the aim to enhance interoperability in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations among member navies.
• It witnessed participation of 15 out of the 25 member nations of IONS.

About IONS

• IONS, established in 2007, is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime cooperation among navies of the littoral states of the fad Indian Ocean Region (IOR) by providing an open and inclusive forum for discussion of regionally relevant maritime issues.
• It has enabled discussions on regional maritime issues, promoted, friendly relationships, and significantly improved maritime security cooperation in the IOR.
• Inaugural IONS Seminar was held by the Indian Navy in 2008.
• IONS includes 24 nations that permanently hold territory that lies within the IOR.

Importance of IONS for India

• Strengthening and deepening relations with Indian Ocean littoral states.
• Establishing its leadership potential and aspirations of being a net-security provider.
• Fulfilling India’s vision of a rules-based and stable maritime order in IOR.
• Counter-balance the increasing presence of China in the region.