4th IONS CONCLAVE OF CHIEFS — SUMMARY RECORD
Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) — 28 March 2014
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Welcome and Opening Address
VADM Griggs, Royal Australian Navy (the ‘Chair’) opened the Conclave of Chiefs (Conclave) at 0830 by welcoming the attendees and thanking them their participation in the Seminar over the last couple of days. The Chair expressed his appreciation to South Africa for their stewardship as Chair for the previous two years and requested RADM Pillay to pass this appreciation on to VADM Hlongwane.
The Chair acknowledged that the significant work done by the previous chairs had enabled IONS to reach the point where it is today; ready to cross the threshold where the tangible benefits of IONS participation could be reported back to respective governments.
1.2 Apologies
CAPT Boulton (Australia) offered apologies from the following nations for not being able to attend the Conclave: Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Qatar, Seychelles, Somalia, and Yemen.
2.0 Review Previous Minutes and Action Items
CAPT Boulton (Australia) provided a summary of the Cape Town Conclave action items. He stated that the Charter of Business and Observer Status issues remain outstanding and he also outlined a number of IONS deliverables that had been previously agreed and are reflected in the records.
RADM Tan (Singapore) confirmed that Singapore has completed the Maritime Domain Awareness deliverable by providing a presentation on the Information Fusion Centre at the IONS Operational Workshop in 2013, and that they supported a move to the next phase.
The Chair called for discussion on the Cape Town Conclave Confirmatory Notes. No issues were raised and the Chair confirmed the records with consensus.
3.0 Operational Workshop
CAPT Boulton (Australia) provided a summary of the Operational Workshop 2013 hosted by the Indian Navy in Mumbai. Pakistan stated that invitations to nations should be sent two to three months in advance of activities to allow administrative details to be finalised. The Chair agreed and stated that preferably invitations should be sent three months or more in advance of planned activities.
4.0 Contact List
CAPT Boulton (Australia) referred to the IONS Contact List and requested delegates to review and update details for the Secretariat. The Chair commented that it is the intent that the Contact List be distributed to Points of Contact (POC), and not to be posted on any website.
5.0 Charter of Business
The Chair thanked delegates who had contributed to the draft Charter of Business (the Charter), and stated that the significant work undertaken to date has put us in a position for a robust discussion and to be in a position to endorse the Charter. The Chair acknowledged that it had not been possible to formulate a document that everyone would be 100% happy with, and therefore a level of compromise would be required in accepting the Charter so that IONS could move forward. The Chair proposed that the document was sound enough to formalise the way IONS went about its business but that he was committed to continually improving the Charter. He highlighted the importance of the Charter as a demonstration to respective governments that IONS is moving ahead under an agreed formal framework. The Chair called for all delegations to comment on the draft Charter.
Comments from around the table included:
ADML Magne (France) raised his concern about the removal of official languages, however he stated that this would not stop France from endorsing the Charter and that they would provide the Secretariat will a French translation of the Charter to circulate for the benefit of other members.
VADM Luthra (India) stated that the draft Charter was a much improved version that should be adopted now and that he looked forward to subsequent versions in the future.
RADM Jafari (Iran) recommended that the definition of consensus in decision making be reviewed – he suggested that seeking a 51% simple majority in decisions could be an alternative option to the present consensus rule. The Chair explained that some delegations would likely have to seek comment from their governments before this issue would be resolved. RADM Jafari agreed with the Chair that the issue could be addressed as an amendment after the Charter was endorsed and should not restrict endorsement today. RADM Jafari also sought clarification of the term ‘maritime agency’ but accepted that the definition could be clarified as an amendment to the Charter post endorsement. He also noted that the Charter creates two kinds of observers – states who have the right to join with Member status within 12 months of the Charter being endorsed but chose not to revert to Observer status, and those nations outside the Indian Ocean Region that can only apply to be observers. This observation was agreed by the Conclave.
CDRE Mapanzene (Mozambique) supported the French comment in regards to language. The English language is a challenge for them but this would not prevent Mozambique’s endorsement of the Charter today.
ADML Sandila (Pakistan) expressed his strong support for future amendments and will support the Charter today.
RADM Tan (Singapore) stated they he supported the Charter. He requested the Secretariat review the following recommendations: aligning the use of terminology to ‘members’, request for a date that the Charter comes into effect, and insertions to “Provisions and Sharing of Information”, help improve the document.
The Chair sought consensus for the formal endorsement of the Charter of Business. There was overwhelming support for adoption and no objections. The Chair thanked Chiefs and delegates for the important discussion and advised that the Charter of Business had been formally adopted and was dated 28 March 2014. The Chair explained that as we work through the specifics of operating with the Charter, we will no doubt discover the need to make amendments to the Charter as we develop IONS business practices. The Conclave unanimously supported adoption of Version 1.0 of the Charter, dated 28 March 2014.
6.0 IONS Observers
The Chair stated that now that a formal Charter had been adopted, IONS was in a position to formally consider applications for official Observer status in IONS.
CDRE Gough (Australia) read Sections 5.2.1, 5.2.2 and 5.2.3 from the newly adopted Charter, and stated that three (3) applications for Observer status have been received by the Secretariat.
CDRE Gough read the application for Observer status from ADML Katsutoshi Kawano, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, dated 18 March 2014. France and Pakistan stated their support. The Chair proposed acceptance of Japan as the first official observer nation. The application was endorsed with consensus of the Conclave.
CDRE Gough read the application for Observer status from ADML Jonathan Greenert, United States (US) Navy, dated 24 March 2014. Australia, France and South Africa stated their support. Iran opposed the application and as a result of the present consensus rules in the Charter, the application was unable to be endorsed.
CDRE Gough read the email application for Observer status by CAPT Zhang Yanbo, Head of Foreign Affairs Office of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army – Navy dated 21 February 2014. This email was considered a formal request for Observer status at the request of the PLA Navy. ADML Sandila (Pakistan) expressed his support. The application was endorsed with consensus of the Conclave.
The Chair directed the Secretariat to prepare formal letters informing Japan, China and the US of the outcomes of the Conclave's deliberations.
7.0 IONS Logo
The Chair explained that the flagged logo was problematic in that it did not accurately display all flags and that some flags were displayed upside down which created protocol issues for some countries. He put forward a motion that IONS adopt a logo with no flags, such as the one that Australia was using for this event. He invited comments from the Conclave regarding this initiative.
RADM Jafari (Iran) stated his support for membership to be reflected through the appearance of flags on the logo but that he was comfortable for a logo without flags to be adopted until membership statuses were formalised over the next 12 months. VADM Luthra (India) agreed. The Chair proposed that a ‘no flag’ logo should be used for the next two years and this issue should be revisited during the Conclave in 2016. ADML Sandila (Pakistan), CDRE Mahfoodh (Oman) and BRIG GEN Laswai (Tanzania) agreed. There was no dissention and the decision was endorsed with consensus.
8.0 IONS Communications
8.1 Websites
CAPT Boulton (Australia) explained that India had confirmed their willingness to provide ongoing maintenance of an IONS website. The Chair thanked India and proposed this matter be revisited at each future Conclave.
ADML Sandila (Pakistan) stated that the Secretariat should be responsible for the website, and that one country should not retain control for long periods. VADM Luthra (India) stated that the website is still in the process of stabilisation and is a work in progress. VADM Luthra stated he welcomed an increase in contributions from all members for the website to improve its quality so it can be useful to all. VADM Luthra also stated that India agrees to maintaining the website and that this matter could be reconsidered at next Conclave.
The Chair stated that an important issue for consideration is whether future Chairs have the capability to maintain a site due to the resource implications associated. The Chair proposed that India investigate a website domain name not referencing India (“.in”), such as “.org” so that there was no national linkage or perceptions of ownership by one country. The Chair stated his support for India continuing a website. VADM Luthra stated that he would examine the possibility of changing the domain name.
The Chair proposed that editorial control should pass with the IONS chairmanship. RADM Pillay (South Africa) agreed that some countries are not as well resourced as others, and supported the editorial control moving with the chairmanship.
The Chair proposed India continue maintaining the website, that India investigate changing the domain name, that editorial control will reside with the Chair and that the website issue be reconsidered at the next Conclave. This proposal was accepted by the Conclave.
8.2 IONSPHERE Newsletter
CAPT Boulton (Australia) confirmed that India had to date published three editions of IONSPHERE, January 2013, July 2013 and January 2014. India has advised that they are happy to continue the role of editors and publishers, however they proposed that the publishing interval be expanded from six monthly to annually.
ADML Sandila (Pakistan) suggested that the Newsletter was a similar issue to the website. He suggested that responsibility should transfer to the chair every two years. ADML Magne (France) agreed. VADM Luthra (India) confirmed that India was happy to retain or to transfer responsibility, and made mention that some countries may find it difficult to publish the Newsletter in English.
The Chair confirmed that similar to the website, Australia would have no difficultly taking it on, however it may be a resource burden to future chairs. The Chair proposed that this function in the future could be outsourced to another nation with resource capacity.
The Chair proposed Australia would take carriage of production of the Newsletter and annual publishing for the duration of its Chairmanship. The Chair thanked India for starting and running the publication, and thanked South Africa for their support in the last two years.
VADM Hudson (United Kingdom) commented on the need to clarify the target audiences for the website and the Newsletter. The Chair agreed this should be investigated during the Australian chairmanship.
9.0 Future Activities
9.1 IONS Working Groups (IWGs)
The Chair stated that at the last Conclave, in Cape Town, agreement was achieved on progressing three IONS deliverables: papers on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), Counter-Piracy, and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). He discussed that, in relative terms, other maritime security related forums were an a much more mature state than IONS and that adapting proven processes and policy from these could lead to rapid improvements to the quality and relevance of IONS. As an example, the Chair outlined the enormous effectiveness of the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) construct as mentioned in Madam Suriani’s presentation during the Seminar on 27 March 2014. The benefits of such a working group construct included the rapid progression to a multilateral maritime security exercise in 2013.
The Chair explained that the Australian proposal to establish IWGs was first distributed at the 2013 IONS Operational Workshop in Mumbai. The proposal included the establishment of five IWGs: Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, Counter Piracy, Information Sharing and Interoperability, Counter Smuggling and Environment. These IWGs have synergy with the original three IONS deliverables. The Chair stated he is seeking from Conclave a consensus on the structure of IWGs and an indication of whether they were a sound idea for moving IONS forward? He also sought interest for delegates to become cochairs and members of the IWGs – even if only provisional interest could be expressed at the Conclave.
The Chair called for any objections to the concept to take IONS forward using the IWG construct. No objections were noted and the concept was agreed through consensus.
The Chair sought comment on what specific IWG’s the Conclave considered were of highest interest, noting that five IWGs may be overly ambitious and that the three IONS IWG would be a solid starting point. RADM Jafari (Iran) commented that the environment is changing fast and we must look to the future and proposed a working group to discuss the strategic future of the Indian Ocean. RADM Jafari further commented that ‘future planning’ could be incorporated into all the established IWGs. The Chair proposed Iran develop a paper outlining what their proposed Future Strategic Environment IWG might look like and that it could be discussed at the next Conclave. Iran agreed.
VADM Hudson (United Kingdom) sought clarification whether the Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) working group was now termed the Information Sharing and Interoperability IWG. The Chair confirmed that MDA was a subset of Information Sharing, and that the term Information Sharing and Interoperability better described a strategic focus of the IWG. RADM Pillay (South Africa) supported the Chair’s position.
The Chair further commented that these working groups should not consist of military personnel only and should involve police and coastguards, and thus are an opportunity to exchange knowledge and thoughts with a broader set of colleagues.
RADM Tan (Singapore) invited delegates to visit the Singaporean Information Fusion Centre (IFC). The Chair stated that the IFC was an impressive facility and well worth a visit to see what can be achieved in the information sharing domain.
VADM Luthra (India) agreed that five IWG may be too many at this stage. India supported the establishment of three IWGs based on the three IONS deliverables. India further highlighted the need to ensure Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were acceptable to all participants. The Chair agreed. The Chair further explained that IWGs could present outcomes at future Conclaves , but that recommendations of the IWGs should be circulated out of session when possible to promote discussion. He further added that IWG working plans should be endorsed at each Conclave for the next two years. ADML Sandila (Pakistan) stated his support as long as there was enough interest from nations to take on cochairmanship responsibility. RADM Pillay (South Africa) added that from South Africa’s experience as former Chairs, establishing three IWGs will be a challenge. The Chair acknowledged resource implications would need to be carefully considered.
The Chair concluded that the Conclave was supportive of the establishment of three IWGs as long as there was sufficient enthusiasm. ADML Sandila (Pakistan) agreed with the Chairs statement.
CDRE Mahfoodh (Oman), and VADM Luthra (India) sought further clarification on participation at the IWGs. The Chair stated that attendance would be voluntary, members would not be obligated to attend each IWG and that information from the IWGs would be shared to all members. Co-chairs would report at Conclave and their forward work plan would be endorsed. The ADMM-Plus experience of the Expert Working Group on Maritime Security was of a large volunteer attendance whereas the Counter-Terrorism had a smaller membership.
ADML Sandila (Pakistan) raised a concern that a large working group could make it very difficult to progress outcomes. India agreed. General discussion continued, with the Chair declaring consensus had been achieved for participation of 5-15 nations at each IWG to be built into the IWG Terms of Reference.
RADM Jafari (Iran) proposed that the composition of the IWG be broadened to include participation at the O5 Commander rank level, as well as the proposed O6 Captain rank level, and for Co-Chairmanship to be the responsibility of only IONS members. The Chair agreed that variance in ranks should be considered and this concept was agreed by consensus.
The Chair confirmed through consensus that three IWGs would be progressed. The Chair requested nations to confirm their commitment to co-chair and participate in IWGs by the end of April 2014 [this date has been extended to end of May 14].
VADM Luthra (India) expressed Indian interest to provisionally co-chair a HADR IWG and they he will confirm this as soon as possible. RADM Pillay (South Africa) offered South Africa as a Counter-Piracy co-chair. ADML Sandila volunteered Pakistan for either CounterPiracy or Information Sharing. RADM Pillay expressed his willingness to work with Pakistan. RADM Tan (Singapore) requested time to seek approval from government, though mentioned Information Sharing as the IWG of most interest to Singapore. [Subsequently Pakistan has withdrawn from co-chairing Counter-Piracy IWG].
9.2 Operational Workshop
The Chair explained that with the recent proposal to move toward three IWGs the need for an Operational Workshop was no longer relevant. Bangladesh and Tanzania agreed.
RADM Ibrahim (United Arab Emirates) raised a concern that there needed to be an avenue to raise matters and discuss them out of session. The Chair proposed that the IONS Preparatory Workshop and Conclave offered this mechanism if required. ADML Magne (France) commented that we have enough flexibility to create another IWG to address special matters of interest if there was a need to do so. The Chair additionally commented that an out-ofsession Conclave could be called for any high interest matter. The Chair proposed the regular program of the Operational Workshops could cease. Consensus was confirmed by the Chair.
9.3 IONS Preparatory Workshop
The Chair opened discussion on whether the IONS Preparatory Workshop was required when it could be replaced by a Secretariat and Secretariat (Designate) handover. The Chair added that agenda items could be called for prior to the workshop/handover, but admitted he was not firm on the idea of changing the workshop.
ADML Sandila (Pakistan), supported a handover between the Secretariats and RADM Jafari (Iran) proposed to host the Workshop
VADM Luthra (India) read the Charter of Business paragraph 8.1.3…..”members will designate the host country for the next two IONS Preparatory Workshops”. In the past the Workshop has included discussion over the Charter. Major issues can be given to the Secretariat and discussed at the Workshop. VADM Luthra stated that the Workshop should be retained. ADML Magne (France) agreed.
The Chair proposed to retain the Workshop, and consensus was achieved.
9.4 Proposed Publications
9.4.1 Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES)
The Chair provided background to the development of the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES). CUES is a draft Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) document that has taken WPNS approximately 22 years to develop. It assists vessels that encounter each other at sea to communicate through a simple set of procedures. It is a non binding, voluntary document aimed at improving safety and good order at sea. The document is expected to be endorsed by WPNS at Qingdao in April 2014 [subsequent to this meeting CUES has been formally adopted by WPNS on 23 April 2014].
RADM Jafari (Iran) commented that we need a common language at sea to minimise errors and a publication such as CUES could meet that need. ADML Sandila (Pakistan) stated they would seek government consultation on this, but supported the Chair’s proposal.
VADM Hudson (United Kingdom) commented that CUES is a tactical document and has relevance to the counter-piracy experience in the Indian Ocean.
The Chair proposed the Secretariat to “IONSise” the document, meaning to simplify the tactical components and circulate a draft for consideration by Conclave in 2016. Discussion on the draft could potentially be a task for the Information Sharing and Interoperability IWG. Conclave agreed.
9.4.2 Maritime Information Exchange Directory (MIED)
The Chair introduced the MIED as another document flowing from the WPNS and showed to Conclave the Australian section that provided to IONS as an example. The Chair explained that this was another opportunity for the Information Sharing and Interoperability Work Group. Conclave agreed.
10.0 Next Chairmanships
The Chair explained that the Charter requires us to agree to the next two chairmanships (including hosting the next two Seminars/Symposiums) and next two preparatory workshops. The Chair noted that following on from the counter-clockwise rotation discussion at the last Conclave in Cape Town, the next chairmanship would proceed to the South Asian Littorals1 . Conclave agreed.
The Chair asked the delegates whether they required him to articulate the counter-clockwise policy in the Charter? VADM Luthra (India) proposed that recording our intent in the minutes was satisfactory and that the matter could be taken up again at the next Conclave.
The Chair agreed that recording the rotation was an easier solution, and that it could be raised by a member as an issue in future Conclaves.
10.1 2016-2018 Chairmanship
The Chair called for any 2016-2018 chairmanship nominations.
VADM Habib outlined Bangladesh’s wishes to chair IONS for the 2016-2018 chairmanship. He highlighted the importance of cooperation with IONS nations as no navy can operate in isolation. He summarised the Bangladesh Navy’s involvement in the Indian Ocean and his belief in the potential of the IONS.
ADML Sandila (Pakistan) stated his support for Bangladesh. The Chair sought Conclave endorsement, and the Bangladesh nomination for chairmanship 2016-2018 was endorsed by consensus.
10.2 2018-2020 Chairmanship
The Chair called for any nominations for the 2018-2020 chairmanship.
RADM Jafari (Iran) confirmed Iran’s intent to nominate as chair. He referenced Iran’s policy to improve relationships and of their desire to host the 2018 Seminar and Conclave of Chiefs. The nomination was endorsed by Conclave.
10.3 2015 IONS Preparatory Workshop
The Chair called for any delegation to host the 2015 Preparatory Workshop, he highlighted that the workshop was a smaller gathering that required less resources. The Chair also emphasised the importance of sharing activities amongst the Indian Ocean nations.
RADM Jafari (Iran) proposed Iran to host a workshop with the theme “Security of Sea Lanes of Communication”. ADML Sandila (Pakistan), proposed Pakistan host the workshop. RADM Jafari stated his support for Pakistan. The Chair confirmed Conclave’s endorsement for Pakistan to host the 2015 Preparatory Workshop.
10.4 2017 IONS Preparatory Workshop
The Chair called for any delegation to host the Preparatory Workshop in 2017. RADM Pillay (South Africa) proposed to host the 2017 IONS Preparatory Workshop. The Chair confirmed Conclave’s endorsement for South Africa to host this workshop.
11.0 Other Business
The Chair invited any issues or proposals to be raised by the floor.
11.1 IWG Proposal (Bangladesh)
VADM Habib (Bangladesh Navy) recommended that the IONS Chair initiate a communiqué to the WPNS Chair proposing a joint working group to explore the feasibility of sharing the activities and deliverables of both Symposiums.
VADM Hudson (United Kingdom) expressed support for Bangladesh’s proposal however, he explained that IONS is at the start of establishing working groups and believed it was premature to start a formal dialogue with WPNS.
The Chair highlighted that concepts from WPNS (CUES and the MIED) and ADMM-Plus were already being introduced to IONS. The Chair offered Australia’s ongoing support, as a member of WPNS, to act as a link to WPNS during Bangladesh’s forthcoming chairmanship. Bangladesh expressed their thanks and agreement.
11.2 Charter of Business Amendment (Iran — meaning of 'maritime agency')
The Chair revisited RADM Jafari’s (Iran) proposal to alter the meaning of consensus from a “no opposition” vote to a simple 51% majority. Iran confirmed that it was not reasonable for opposition by one state to outweigh a clear majority consensus and that this should be reviewed in order to move IONS forward.
11.2 Charter of Business Amendment (Iran — meaning of 'consensus')
The Chair revisited RADM Jafari’s (Iran) proposal to alter the meaning of consensus from a “no opposition” vote to a simple 51% majority. Iran confirmed that it was not reasonable for opposition by one state to outweigh a clear majority consensus and that this should be reviewed in order to move IONS forward.
The Chair summarised consensus options that might be considered for adoption as:
- Current position (“no opposition”)
- 51% majority
- Four fifths (4/5) majority
- Two thirds (2/3) majority
The Chair asked the delegates if any nation sought to keep the current arrangement. ADML Magne (France) queried whether a decision had to be made now. ADML Sandila (Pakistan) proposed the issue be addressed at the next Conclave. RADM Jafari supported ADML Sandila.
The Chair proposed that the matter could be decided upon before the next Conclave and options 3 and 4 above offered strong majority. Brig Gen Laswai (Tanzania) stated that we should be striving to improve the Charter and should not wait till 2016.
The Chair stated that all delegates had legitimate views and that we should target the 2015 Preparatory Workshop to discuss the matter further. The Chair stressed his desire to build momentum, decision making every two years was too slow a process. There was mutual agreement by the delegates that many would not be present in two years time.
BRIG GEN Laswai (Tanzania) commented that delegating any decisions to the working group could be a dilution of decision making authority.
VADM Colombage (Sri Lanka) stated that two years is too long to wait and we are not really addressing the issue, we must take some action quickly.
ADML Magne (France) proposed a paper to be circulated and a decision could be made out of session. VADM Luthra (India) added that the process for approval was required and noted that we have 12 months to confirm IONS membership (in accordance with the endorsed Charter).
The Chair concluded he will aim to have this matter addressed by 2016 Conclave and directed the Secretariat is to prepare a short paper on options and that this matter is to be discussed, and if possible, agreed at the 2015 Preparatory Workshop. Those who attend the Workshop should have the necessary decision power delegated by their Chief to decide on this matter.
11.3 IONS Task Force (Iran)
RADM Jafari (Iran) made reference to their presentation in the Seminar on 27 March 2014, calling for an IONS Task Force.
The Chair commented that, from an Australian perspective, we are not ready and that such a discussion required government consideration. The Chair proposed Iran prepare a discussion paper for Conclave. Iran agreed to submit a paper to the Secretariat.
12.0 Closing Address
The Chair summarised the achievements of a very successful Conclave and thanked all delegates for their participation. He expressed that he was looking forward to working with all the nations during our chairmanship.
The Conclave was concluded at 1435.
Attachments
Attachment A – List of Attendees
Attachment B – List of Action Items
Attachment A — List of Attendees
| Nation | Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | VADM Ray Griggs | Chief of Navy, IONS Chair |
| Australia | CDRE Andy Gough | Director General Navy Capability Planning and Engagement |
| Australia | CAPT Richard Boulton | Director Navy International Engagement |
| Australia | LCDR Rowena Gaffney | IONS Secretariat |
| Bangladesh | VADM Muhammad Farid Habib | Chief of Naval Staff |
| Bangladesh | CAPT Mir Ershad Ali | Director of Personnel Services |
| Egypt | RADM Reda Ismaeel Khaleel | Representative of Chairman of the Navy Forces |
| Egypt | BRIG Yousra Shae'erah | Staff Officer |
| Eritrea | COL Ahmed Mohamed Ali Hassen | Operation Officer of Eritrean Naval Force |
| Eritrea | CAPT Efrem Tesfay Kidane | Staff Officer |
| France | ADML Xavier Magne | Inspector General of the Defence - Navy |
| France | CMDR Charles-Henri Reibell | Head of Pacific and Indian Ocean Unit |
| India | VADM Girish Luthra | Director General Naval Operations |
| India | RADM RB Pandit | Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Foreign Cooperation and Intelligence) |
| Indonesia | CDRE Aan Kurnia | Commandant Sea Combat Task Force of Eastern Fleet |
| Indonesia | COL Didik Kurniawan | Naval Attaché Australia |
| Iran | RADM Peyman Jafari Tehrani | Naval Staff Coordinator |
| Iran | CDRE Hosein Khanzadi | Strategic Advisor |
| Iran | COL Mohammadreza Nemati | Interpreter |
| Kuwait | COL Essam A.S. Saif | Flotilla Commander |
| Kuwait | LCDR Feras A.H. Alkandari | Staff Officer |
| Maldives | COL Mohamed Ibrahim | Commander of MNDF Coast Guard |
| Mozambique | CDRE Nitrogenio Anastacio Mapanzene | Chief Inspector Mozambique Navy |
| Mozambique | CMDR Torres Traquino | Staff Officer |
| Oman | CDRE Mahfoudh bin Hamoud Al Whaibi | Director General of Operations and Plan |
| Oman | CMDR Abdullah bin Hamood Al Harrasi | Staff Officer |
| Pakistan | ADML Mohammad Asif Sandila | Chief of Naval Staff |
| Pakistan | CAPT Javaid Iqbal | Director Naval Operational Plans |
| Saudi Arabia | ADML Ibrahim Othman I Aldelaijan | Commander Western Fleet |
| Saudi Arabia | BRIG Ali Halil A. Alsolami | Fleet Operations |
| Singapore | RADM Wee Beng Tan | Chief of Staff - Naval Staff |
| Singapore | CAPT Zi Ming Ng | Staff Officer |
| South Africa | RADM Sedge Pillay | Director Maritime Plans |
| South Africa | CAPT Peter J Eldon | Senior Staff Officer Maritime Strategy |
| Sri Lanka | VADM Jayanath Colombage | Commander of Sri Lankan Navy |
| Sri Lanka | CAPT JC Liyanagamage | Secretary to Commander of the Navy |
| Tanzania | BRIG GEN Rogastian Shaaban Laswai | Commander of the Tanzanian Navy |
| Tanzania | MAJ Omary Salum Kimolo | Personal Assistant to Tanzania Navy Commander |
| Thailand | ADML Jakchai Poocharoenyos | Deputy Commander in Chief |
| Thailand | CAPT Tepparit Laplua | Staff Officer |
| Timor Leste | LEUT Duarte Loe | Fleet Commander |
| United Arab Emirates | RADM Ibrahim Salim Mohammed Al Musharakh | Commander of UAE Navy |
| United Arab Emirates | COL Saeed Salem Mohd Ali Al Maskari | Staff Officer |
| United Kingdom | VADM Peter Hudson | Representative of First Sea Lord |
| United Kingdom | MAJ Oliver Todd | Military Assistant |
