Will Indian Ocean Security Be the Focus at the Upcoming Maritime Workshop?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- MISW 2025 focuses on enhancing maritime security cooperation.
- Participation from 30 nations emphasizes global collaboration.
- The workshop addresses non-traditional threats to maritime security.
- Keynote addresses by high-ranking officials enhance the event's authority.
- Outcomes will influence the future of the IOR Maritime Information Ecosystem.
New Delhi, Nov 1 (NationPress) The forthcoming third edition of the Maritime Information Sharing Workshop (MISW 2025), scheduled for November 3 to 5, will primarily address the need to strengthen the collaborative framework necessary for protecting the Indian Ocean's critical sea lanes, as stated by an official on Saturday.
Hosted by the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), this event is set to gather the global maritime security community from 30 nations in Gurugram.
By merging operational expertise with strategic foresight, MISW aims to bolster the Indian Ocean Region's collective resilience and promote a future characterized by secure, stable, and sustainable seas, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defence.
The workshop’s theme, "Enhancing Real-Time Coordination and Information Sharing Across the Indian Ocean Region," encapsulates the common vision of the participating nations.
MISW 2025 will extend beyond basic discussions to emphasize the practical application of maritime security information and technology in combating evolving non-traditional threats, as per the statement.
Featuring customized sessions for regional constructs and a concluding tabletop exercise at IFC-IOR, the workshop underscores India’s commitment to MAHASAGAR - Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions - and its dedication to fostering a secure, resilient, and cooperative maritime future.
The event will be inaugurated by Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (DCNS), with a keynote address delivered by Sushil Mansing Khopde, IPS, Additional Director General of DG Shipping.
This workshop will unite maritime security practitioners from 30 countries, including those from the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment (DCoC/JA), and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), according to the statement.
The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) serves as the backbone of global commerce, facilitating the flow of a significant portion of the world’s oil and container traffic. Its importance stretches beyond geographical confines, acting as a hub for economic activities, a bridge between continents, and a stage for geopolitical dynamics.
Maritime security is essential not just for economic stability but also for geopolitical balance. Recognizing this urgent requirement, the IFC-IOR was inaugurated on December 22, 2018, with a mission to improve maritime safety and security in the region.
Now led by Captain Sachin Kumar Singh, IFC-IOR is a distinctive center that hosts Information Liaison Officers (ILOs) from 15 countries and collaborates actively with 57 other maritime security constructs and 25 partner countries, all aimed at ensuring a peaceful, stable, and thriving IOR.
MISW 2025 stands as a testament to the IFC-IOR’s commitment to crafting a cohesive, transparent, and resilient maritime information ecosystem, as per the statement.
The outcomes of this workshop are expected to significantly influence the future roadmap for enhancing the IOR Maritime Information Ecosystem, promoting a safer, peaceful, and more prosperous global ocean.