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. Members will promote and support the purpose, aim and objectives of IONS and demonstrate willingness to contribute constructively by engaging other members and observers navies or maritime agencies.
Australia has been a member since 10 May 2014
Bangladesh has been a member since 04 Jul 2014
France has been a member since 10 Mar 2015
India has been a member since 28 Feb 2015
Indonesia has been a member since 10 Nov 2014
Iran has been a member since 16 Mar 2015
Kenya has been a member since 09 Dec 2015
Malaysia has been a member since 25 Apr 2018
Maldives been a member since 22 Oct 2014
Mauritius has been a member since 11 Nov 2014
Mozambique has been a member since 16 Mar 2015
Myanmar has been a member since 26 Nov 2014
Oman has been a member since 31 Aug 2014
Pakistan has been a member since 27 Oct 2014
Qatar has been a member since 29 Jun 2021
Saudi Arabia has been a member since 24 Aug 2014
Seychelles has been a member since 28 Nov 2014
Singapore has been a member since 05 Aug 2014
South Africa has been a member since 27 Oct 2014
Sri Lanka has been a member since 20 Oct 2014
Tanzania has been a member since 10 Jun 2014
Thailand has been a member since 19 Dec 2014
Timor Leste has been a member since 04 Dec 2014
UAE has been a member since 11 Nov 2014
United Kingdom has been a member since 18 Jun 2014
A Navy or maritime agency constituted by a nation state with permanently held territory that abuts or lies within the Indian Ocean may opt to be an IONS Observer by making a formal application to the Chair of IONS. A Navy or maritime agency constituted by a nation state without permanently held territory that abuts or lies within the Indian Ocean, but with significant strategic interest in the region, may qualify as an Observer if it submits an application to the Chair of IONS for consideration at the next Conclave of Chiefs, and has its application agreed through consensus when the decision is made. Observers will agree to support and encourage the purpose, aim and objectives of IONS, and demonstrate willingness to contribute constructively by engaging other member and observer nations.
China has been an observer since 28 Mar 2014
Germany has been an observer since 13 Jan 2016
Italy has been an observer since 13 Jan 2016
Japan has been an observer since 28 Mar 2014
Madagascar has been an observer since 23 Mar 2015
Netherlands has been an observer since 13 Jan 2016
Republic of Korea has been an observer since 22 Dec 2023
Russia has been an observer since 13 Jan 2016
Spain has been an observer since 13 Jan 2016
The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) is a voluntary initiative that brings together the navies of the Indian Ocean littoral states. Through dialogue, co-operation, and shared understanding, IONS fosters regional maritime security and stability across one of the world’s most strategic oceanic regions.
© Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) 2026 – All Rights Reserved
