5th Conclave of Chiefs — IONS 2016
Report of the 5th Conclave of Chiefs, Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, hosted by Bangladesh Navy.
1.0 Welcome & Opening Address
Vice Admiral Farid Habib, Bangladesh Navy (hereafter mentioned as 'the Chair') opened the Conclave of Chiefs (Conclave) at 0900 by welcoming the attendees in the 5th Conclave of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium and thanking them for their participation in the seminar. The Chair added that the revered panelists and moderators of the seminar brought out lot of insights on the cooperative mechanisms of IONS and aptly set the scene for the Conclave. The Chair also mentioned that there was a brief extra-ordinary Conclave session held in Sydney during the Sea Power Conference, 2015 fundamentally to review the progress of the three IONS Working Groups activities. Before formally starting the Conclave the Chair requested VADM Barrett (Australia), the former Chair to make comments.
VADM Barrett appreciated the gesture and thanked all nations for their assistance and participation during his tenure of IONS Chair. He mentioned the adaptation of IONS Charter at the beginning of Chairmanship and emphasized the need of Charter of business changes to reflect the contemporary needs of IONS. He also reiterated upon the issue of decision making on the basis of majority decision instead of consensus, which did not completely settle through the IONS Preparatory workshop (IPW 2015). He also mentioned about the substantial progress made by the IONS Working Group (IWG) and wished all the best for the new Chair.
The Chair declared the session open and called upon the Secretary to start with the agenda items.
1.2 Apologies
Commodore Ershad (Bangladesh) (hereafter mentioned as 'the Secretary') mentioned that Conclave 2016 is represented by 18 member nations out of 22 and 03 observer nations out of 04. He offered apologies on behalf of the following nations for not being able to attend the Conclave: Mozambique, Seychelles, Tanzania, Mauritius, and Madagascar.
2.0 Review Previous Minutes & Action Items
The Secretary stated that amongst the listing of 32 action items from previous minute most issues have been addressed, complied and resolved. Also there are 18 items which are included as separate agenda item for Conclave 2016. He mentioned that there is only one item pending, which is Action Item 4 (Conclave 2014) 'Secretariat to distribute French translation once received from France'.
Rear Admiral Beaussant (France) agreed to the proposal. The Chair directed the IONS Secretariat to coordinate with France and circulate the French translation to all member and observer countries.
No further issues were raised and the Chair formally closed the call on Previous Minutes & Action Items from last Conclave.
3.0 Business Arising fom Preparatory Workshop
The Secretary narrated that IONS preparatory workshop was held on 18 September 2015 in Karachi where, six agenda items were discussed and resolutions were finalized. He continued that, in compliance with the action item 29 and 30 of the previous minute a paper with four different consensus options was circulated by the former Secretariat to all members for discussion and decision in the IPW 2015. Accordingly it was discussed in the IPW. During the discussion in the IPW, the house was evenly divided on the decision making mechanism, with 7 members in favour of Option-1 i.e. status quo with consensus decision making system and 7 for Option-4 i.e. 80% Majority or four-fifth rule. Therefore, IPW recommended maintaining status quo. Indian Navy delegate further amplified that India favours Option-1(status quo) for any change in Charter of Business; whereas, for other routine transactional activities, India favours Option - 4 (four-fifth rule).
Rear Admiral Sayari (Iran) mentioned that Iran agreed with the consensus ruling in regards to decision making process.
The Chair added that, the representatives attending IPW 2015 were empowered to table their opinion regarding consensus ruling. As the house was divided during IPW on this issue, he considered the issue resolved and decided. He formally endorsed the resolution of IPW 2015, that is, the status quo will be maintained for decision making.
The Secretary informed the house that, the rest agenda items 2 through 6 of IPW 2015 are included as separate agenda items. Therefore the Chair decided to skip elaborate discussion on those resolutions and proceed with next agenda item.
4.0 Charter of Business
4.1 Membership Outcomes
The Secretary informed the house on present membership status, that is, IONS presently have 22 members and 04 observer nations. The Chair expressed his satisfaction saying that, it is indeed a great success to have so many countries on board. In that connection he mentioned an upcoming discussion regarding the removal of 12 months clause from membership criteria which may create more opening for nations to join by amending the Charter.
4.2 Proposed Amendments (CoB Version 2.0)
The Secretary informed the house that in the process of review, a draft Charter version 2.0 has been prepared by the Royal Australian Navy Secretariat which has been distributed with the summary of corrections. The amendments proposed by Singapore were discussed first.
Rear Admiral Aurangzeb (Bangladesh) added that the date on which the Charter came into effect may be added in the 'amendments to the Charter of Business' section at the end of the Charter.
Rear Admiral Sayari (Iran) mentioned about the changes proposed in articles 8.2, 9.3 and 9.4. The Chair decided to discuss those later accordingly and accepted Singapore's proposed amendments having no opposition from the floor.
The Secretary presented the amendments proposed by India. The Chair mentioned that, the proposal regarding terms of the membership conditions is a major change of the Charter. He added that, last 08 Oct 2015 Conclave discussed and agreed to discuss the same issue in this occasion. He informed the forum that, application from Kenya for membership past 12 months' time frame has already been received by IONS Secretariat (Australia).
VADM Barrett (Australia) shared his understanding saying that, in the 2014 Conclave when this time limit was introduced, it was meant to express the sense of urgency for members to formalize them within IONS. He opined that, the method has had the desired effect by gathering 22 members already. He strongly supported the removal of the time limit for the future membership of IONS.
Rear Admiral Aurangzeb (Bangladesh) also supported the notion and added that instead of using a footnote, the text 'formally advising the Chair' may be added in the concerned article.
Admiral Dhowan (India) recommended using 'approach', 'apply' or 'request' instead of 'advise' in the said text.
The house agreed on using 'A nation state with permanently held territory that abuts or lies within the Indian Ocean and which maintains a Navy or maritime agency and formally agrees to this Charter of Business, may become a Member of IONS by making a formal application to the Chair of IONS' as the corrected text in the Charter removing 1 (one) year clause for membership.
The Chair referred to the application of Kenya for membership (dated 09 Dec 2015, addressed to former Chair) and having no opposition accepted the same.
The Secretary presented further amendment proposed by India relating to the removal of 1 (one) year timeline in effect in regards to observer status of 1OR nations.
Rear Admiral Aurangzeb (Bangladesh) concurred with the proposal.
Admiral Dhowan (India) suggested to use the similar wording for the correction as the membership clause. Rear Admiral Sayari (Iran) also supported the proposal.
The Secretary presented few more amendments proposed by India, which were accepted having no opposition from the floor.
The Secretary presented first three amendments proposed by Australia, which were accepted having no opposition from the floor. He continued with the amendment proposed by Australia in relation to the Sub-sections 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4 of the Charter version 1.1.
Vice Admiral Barrett (Australia) clarified further on that saying, proposed amendments are intended to make the wording clear and to indicate the responsibilities of individuals. He added that, the wording is better representative of what was expected from members and observers.
Rear Admiral Sayari (Iran) pointed out the text 'provided that a consensus in this regard is arrived-at amongst the Members' (8.1.2 CoB version 1.1) should be returned in the document.
Vice Admiral Barrett (Australia) agreed saying, if the text does not make a clear understanding in reading, then earlier wording may be returned to the document.
Rear Admiral Aurangzeb (Bangladesh) opined for the observers' presence in the Conclave instead of having provision for private 'only members' session. He reiterated that, the private sessions may be perceived not in conformity with the spirit of IONS.
Vice Admiral Hlongwane (South Africa) seconded the proposal of Bangladesh.
The Chair accepted the difference in opinion and endorsed discussed amendments except the provision of having private sessions by members.
The Secretary presented next 4 (four) amendments proposed by Australia.
Rear Admiral Sayari (Iran) pointed out that 'hosting a Workshop, Working Group meeting, Seminar or Exercise and associated planning meetings as agreed upon by the Members' (9.4 CoB version 1.1) may be clarified with the addition of word 'consensus'.
The Chair accepted the amendments with the discussed modification.
The Secretary presented the amendments proposed by Bangladesh in relation to the rotation of Chair in a certain geographical order.
Rear Admiral Aurangzeb (Bangladesh) clarified by saying that, this is intended to remove the ambiguity regarding the geographical grouping of the nations and the order in which Chairmanship rotates which may further be clarified by adding a footnote of such grouping in the Charter.
The Chair endorsed the amendments proposed by Bangladesh having no opposition from the floor.
5.0 Observer Applications
The Secretary presented the application from Spain. Rear Admiral Aleem (Pakistan) expressed his support and no opposition was raised from the floor.
The Chair accepted the application from Spain formally.
The Secretary presented the application from Italy. Admiral Dhowan (India) stated that, they need time as this matter is under consideration by the government of India.
Vice Admiral Barrett (Australia) commented that, the stance of India is needed to be clarified. He added that, the cycle of IONS decision making is two years which is lengthy and as a progressive organization IONS should resort to quicker method of decision making under the consensus model.
India agreed to formally notify the Secretariat as soon as the decision on this matter from the Government of India is finalized.
The Chair considered the matter as 'not opposition' but 'pending opinion'.
The Secretary presented the application from Russia and Germany with no opposition raised from the floor.
The Chair accepted the applications from Russia and Germany formally.
The Secretary presented the application from Netherlands.
Admiral Dhowan (India) stated that, they need more time as this matter is under consideration by the government of India.
The Chair resolved the matter with the similar ruling as in the previous case of 'pending opinion'.
The Secretary presented the application from the United States of America.
Rear Admiral Sayari (Iran) presented opposition to the application.
Vice Admiral Barrett (Australia) seek clarification as to the application will not be accepted or it is under consideration or deferred. However, Iran did not provide any further clarification on the issue.
The Chair took Iran's opposition in cognizance and the application has been declined.
6.0 IONS Logo
The Secretary presented that, the 2014 Conclave concluded on the decision of using 'no flag' version of IONS logo for the next two years.
The Chair opined that use of 'no flag' adds certain advantage and ruled in favour of adopting the present logo without flag as official logo of IONS without any opposition.
7.0 IONS Communications
7.1 Websites
The Secretary presented the decisions of 2014 Conclave about IONS website. Those are, India maintaining the IONS website for 2014-15, investigating about the change of the IONS website domain name from '.in' to reflect a non-state based domain and Australia holding the editorial control for 2014-15 during the tenure of their Chairmanship. He also added that, India changed domain from'.in' to '.global' and maintained the website for last two years with Australia holding the editorial control.
Rear Admiral Aurangzeb (Bangladesh) suggested India continuing maintenance of the ions.global website with the editorial control retained by the Chair as practiced over the last two years.
Admiral Dhowan (India) accepted the responsibility of ions.global website while the editorial control will be retained with the Chair.
7.2 IONSPHERE (Newsletter)
The Secretary presented that according to the decision of last Conclave, Australia published two annual IONS Newsletters titled IONSPHERE with the contribution from members and observers.
The Chair thanked the former Chair and his secretariat for this effort. Vice Admiral Barrett (Australia) commented that, the provision of IONSPHERE is very important for this organization. But he expressed his concern saying that, it has been a challenge to receive contributions from member nations. He, on behalf of the Chair, encouraged all member and observer states to contribute to this communication.
7.3 IONS Essay Competition
Admiral Nizamuddin Ahmed, Chief of Naval Staff, Bangladesh Navy, presented awards for IONS Essay competition 2016 and 2017 as follows: -
| Year | Prize | Recipient |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | First Prize ($500) | Cpt Liew Hui Xin Jaime, Republic Singapore Navy |
| 2016 | Second Prize ($300) | Captain Subhal Nathan, Indian Navy |
| 2016 | Third Prize ($150) | Commander M Shafiul Azam, Bangladesh Navy |
| 2017 | First Prize ($500) | LTA CHONG De Xian, Republic Singapore Navy |
| 2017 | Second Prize ($300) | Commander M Shamsul Haque, Bangladesh Navy |
| 2017 | Third Prize ($150) | Commander Hamed Ali ALFANNAH ALARAIMI, Royal Navy of Oman |
8.0 IWG — Working Group Reports
8.1 Counter-Piracy IWG
The Chair thanked the Co-Chairs of Counter-Piracy IWG for good job done and especially South Africa for hosting the IWG meeting.
The Secretary presented the resolutions of the IWG.
In relation to the visit of IWG to the Information Fusion and Sharing Centre (IFC MASE) in Madagascar, Rear Admiral Beaussant (France) commented that, French Navy will liaise with relevant authority in order to consider this proposal. He also suggested to have contact with IFC in Singapore which is an older institute whose lessons learnt could be very beneficial in this regard. Rear Admiral Chew (Singapore) expressed his pleasure in supporting such initiatives. The Chair expressed his gratitude towards France and Singapore.
In relation to the IONS Counter-Piracy Operations Guideline, Vice Admiral Hlongwane commented that, it will be furnished shortly for members review.
Admiral Dhowan (India) commented in relation to the capacity building efforts that, basing on the IONS Counter-Piracy Operations Guideline future modalities can be designed.
The Chair added that, all activities of IONS should be mandated by Conclave and offered to all members and observers for participation.
Rear Admiral Beaussant (France) pointed out that insecurity at sea is increasing manifold which is not limited to piracy only. He proposed to extent the mandate of this working group, to maritime security in general.
Rear Admiral Chew (Singapore) welcomed the proposal saying that, it is very forward looking suggestion by France. He added that, in order to IONS continuity to development, IONS needs to adapt with the evolving challenges.
Admiral Dhowan (India) commented that, we need to have some concrete recommendations, as to what form of information exchange on aspects of anti-piracy or indeed maritime terrorism is intended for the future among the IONS member states. He added that, so some sort of suggestion format or procedure is to be adopted, taking any of the templates into account from fusion centre in Singapore or Madagascar or any other in the region.
The Chair pointed out that the expansion of IWG activities will be discussed as a separate agenda.
8.2 Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief IWG
The representative from Indian Navy presented the product of IWG.
The Chair thanked India for comprehensive presentation and previously hosting the IWG meeting.
The Secretary presented the resolutions of the IWG.
Vice Admiral Barrett (Australia) expressed his intention to be a Co-Chair in HADR IWG.
Rear Admiral Aurangzeb (Bangladesh) opined that, HADR Guidelines furnished by India should be reviewed further by inviting inputs from members. Rear Admiral Aleem (Pakistan) concurred the proposal. Rear Admiral Beaussant (France) also expressed the similar opinion and expected France to be a part of HADR IWG which will be confirmed later.
Admiral Dhowan (India) commented that, substantial and tangible progresses have been made by the IWG and agreed with the proposal for further review of the HADR Guideline. He opined that, Australia may join as Co-Chair after the work in progress is done.
Commander Neves (Timor Leste) also expressed their intention to be a member of HADR IWG.
The Chair endorsed the resolutions on behalf of the Conclave with the provision further review of the draft HADR Guideline.
8.3 Information Sharing & Interoperability IWG
The Chair thanked Pakistan for conducting and hosting the IWG meeting.
The Secretary presented the resolutions of the IWG.
Rear Admiral Nick (UK) commented that, the adoption of information sharing and interoperability resolutions would be enhanced by more inclusivity of knowledge.
Rear Admiral Beaussant (France) opined that, there may not be a need of dedicated information fusion centre for IONS today but for future this should be considered.
Admiral Dhowan (India) complemented the working group on information sharing and interoperability for comprehensive assessment of the options. He emphasised that, information exchange is a prerequisite for an effective maritime domain awareness and it is required for IONS to set up some mechanism as to how this information will be exchanged. Vice Admiral Barrett (Australia) endorsed this comment.
Rear Admiral Aleem (Pakistan) opined that, currently IONS Secretariat may act as a central body having input from all the members and disseminate those. He added that, in the due process once the IONS get more matured, establishing a dedicated information fusion centre may be considered.
The Chair endorsed the resolutions on behalf of the Conclave urging all members and observers to contribute in developing the MIED (Maritime Information Exchange Directory) document which is in progress.
8.4 Future Activities of IWGs
The Secretary presented two future activities propositions following the resolutions of individual IWGs and recommendation of the IONS Preparatory Workshop 2015. Those are, expansion of the scope of IONS Working Group on Counter Piracy and continuation of working groups in present composition.
Vice Admiral Barrett (Australia) reiterated upon the previous decision regarding HADR IWG mentioning the two additional members France and Timor Leste. He also mentioned Australia Co-Chairing the same IWG under the provision agreed between India and Australia.
Rear Admiral Chew (Singapore) expressed willingness to be a member of Information Sharing & Interoperability IWG.
Vice Admiral Wijegunaratne (Sri Lanka) expressed his willingness to be a member Maritime Security (previously Counter Piracy) IWG.
Rear Admiral Beaussant (France) supported the notion of expanding the scope of the Counter Piracy IWG and renaming it Maritime Security IWG.
Vice Admiral Hlongwane (South Africa) agreed with the notion of expanding the scope of the Counter Piracy IWG and renaming it Maritime Security IWG.
Rear Admiral Sayari expressed his willingness to be a member of all three (03) working groups with the invitation from respective IWG's Chair country's Chiefs.
Rear Admiral Al-Ragedi (Saudi Arabia) expressed his willingness to be a member of Maritime Security (previously counter piracy) IWG.
The Chair summed up the discussion mentioning, the scope of the Counter Piracy IWG will be expanded renaming it Maritime Security IWG, Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia will be included in the Maritime Security (previously counter piracy) IWG, Singapore will be included in the Information Sharing & Interoperability IWG, Timor Leste and France (yet to be confirmed) will be included in the HADR IWG and lran will be included in all three (03) IWGs.
8.5 Adoption of CUES
The Secretary presented that, Information Sharing & Interoperability IWG recommended the adoption of CUES and being no opposition there on the floor CUES was adopted for the IONS nations.
9.0 Future Activities
9.1 IMMSAREX
Rear Admiral Aurangzeb (Bangladesh) presented the outline proposal of the IONS Multilateral Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (IMMSAREX) proposed to be conducted under Bangladesh Navy's arrangement in Jan/ Feb 2017 or Nov/ Deс 2017.
Rear Admiral Beaussant (France) welcomed the proposal and stated the possibility of French Navy's participation in the said exercise. Rear Admiral Aleem (Pakistan) also appreciated the idea of the exercise.
The Chair endorsed IMMSAREX as a future activity of IONS under arrangement of Bangladesh Navy on behalf of the Conclave.
9.2 Any Other Future Activities
No future activities were proposed under this agenda item.
10.0 Next Chairmanships
10.1 Chairmanship 2018–2020 (Iran)
The Secretary presented the customary geographical pattern of rotation for the IONS Chair and mentioned that, according to the record of 2014 Conclave, Iran is decided to host the 1ONS Seminar and Conclave of Chiefs in 2018, and assume Chairmanship for the period 2018-2020.
Rear Admiral Sayari (Iran) acknowledged 1ONS's potential for concentration and collective effort, about the security of Indian Ocean and expanding cooperation. He announced that, IRAN is well prepared to host the next Symposium and invited all to participate actively in IONS 2018 which will be held during early spring season (late March or early April) in Tehran.
The Chair endorsed the decision.
10.2 Chairmanship for 2020–2022
The Secretary presented that, 1ONS Chair for 2020-22 will be nominated preferably from the East African Littorals i.e. France, Mauritius, Mozambique, South Africa and Tanzania. He also mentioned that South Africa has already served one tenure as IONS Chair in 2012-14.
The Chair opened the floor asking volunteer for the Chairmanship of 2020-22.
Rear Admiral Beaussant (France) stated that, France is volunteer for the Chairmanship of IONS for 2020-22.
Vice Admiral Hlongwane (South Africa) and Vice Admiral Barrett (Australia) supported France.
The Chair, on behalf of the Conclave, proclaimed France as the IONS Chair for 2020-22 as well as host country of IONS 2020 having no opposition from the floor.
The Chair mentioned that, it was intimated to IONS Secretariat that Thailand desired to Chair IONS for the years of 2022-24, after France. The Chair mentioned that, as per the Charter, each Conclave is empowered to take decision about next 2 (two) Chairmanship. However, on behalf of the Conclave, he welcomed and registered the intention of Thailand Navy for the Chairmanship of IONS for 2022-24 as well as host country of IONS 2022.
11.0 IONS Preparatory Workshops (IPW)
11.1 Nomination for IPW 2017
The Secretary presented that, the Conclave requires to nominate the hosts for next two sessions of IPW that is 2017 and 2019. He added that, as per the decision made in last Conclave, South Africa will host the 2017 IONS Preparatory Workshop.
Vice Admiral Hlongwane (South Africa) acknowledged the decision and affirms willingness to host next IPW around September 2017.
11.2 Nomination for IPW 2019
The Chair opened the floor asking volunteer for the host of IPW 2019.
Rear Admiral Musharrakh (UAE) volunteered as the host of IPW 2019.
The Chair, on behalf of the Conclave, proclaimed UAE as the host of IPW 2019.
12.0 Other Business
The Secretary presented that, as per the decision of last Conclave Iran will present Future Strategic Environment IWG Proposal and an IONS Task Force Proposal to the Conclave for discussion.
Rear Admiral Sayari (Iran) commented that, as per as the decision of Conclave 2014 in Australia, Iran was responsible to prepare the proposal. He added that, the proposal on IONS Task Force has been renamed IONS Collective Security Group and both proposals were delivered to 1ONS Secretariat prior Conclave. He mentioned that, Iran is ready to receive any comments or suggestions on the proposals.
Rear Admiral Nick (UK) commented that, some more time is needed to consider the said proposals.
Rear Admiral Aurangzeb (Bangladesh), Rear Admiral Aleem (Pakistan), Admiral Dhowan (India) and Vice Admiral Barrett (Australia) also opined the same.
The Chair concluded that, the proposals from Iranian Navy deserve appreciation and definitely forward looking. He added that, the proposals are needed to be carefully scrutinized specially the proposal of IONS collective security Group.
12.3 Any Matters Raised from the Floor
Vice Admiral Barrett (Australia) insisted upon the review of decision making process of IONS. Referring to the earlier circulated discussion paper on discussion making, he emphasized that a different model than consensus should be adopted. He proposed a 'show of hand' in this regard.
Rear Admiral Beaussant (France) supported Australia's proposal saying, for the change of Charter a consensus may be required but for other decision-making 80:20 system may be followed.
Rear Admiral Nick (UK), Rear Admiral Al-Ragedi (KSA) and Rear Admiral Chew (Singapore) also supported the similar idea.
The Chair called for showing of hands in favour of 50:50 option and there was 'no show'. He then continued with 80:20 option and 15 (fifteen) 'show of hand' were made. Chair called for any opposition to this notion thereafter.
Rear Admiral Sayari (Iran) commented that, according to the Charter article 4 (four) the consensus is still the process of decision making. He added that 80:20 option may be tried in next Conclave.
Rear Admiral Aleem (Pakistan) supported the consensus option for decision making. The Chair conclude that, considering the importance of the issue, it is need to be discussed again in IPW 2017.
The Conclave was adjourned and reassembled after one and a half hours.
On resuming the Conclave, the Chair proposed that IONS Secretariat may recirculate the position paper on decision making prepared by former Chair and invite comments from the members formally in writing by next 06 months. IONS: Secretariat shall compile the findings and present it in the next IPW 2017 for further discussion.
Admiral Dhowan (India) supported the proposal.
The Chair formally endorsed that, the status-quo for decision making will be maintained till the next Conclave of chiefs.
Rear Admiral Aleem (Pakistan) proposed a vote of thanks for the host of IONS 2016. He also assured active participation for the success and for the grooming of this organization.
The Chair closed the session thanking everyone for active participation. He urged for the continued support from all member and observer nations to carry out the responsibility of IONS Chair for the coming years.
The Chair declared the IONS Conclave of Chiefs 2016 closed.
