1.0 Introduction
- 1.1 The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Working Groups (IWGs) are established to progress capability building within specific maritime challenges common to the member and observer nations of IONS.
- 1.2 The IWGs include the following groups:
- 1.2.1 Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) IWG
- 1.2.2 Maritime Security (MarSec) IWG
- 1.2.3 Information Sharing and Interoperability (ISI) IWG
2.0 Objectives
- 2.1 The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Working Groups (IWGs) are established to progress capability building within specific maritime challenges common to the member and observer nations of IONS.
- 2.1.1 Increase mutual understanding, trust, and co-operation between participants.
- 2.1.2 Deliver practical and measurable outcomes that strengthen maritime collaboration.
3.0 Composition
- 3.1 Membership of each IWG is voluntary and based on national interest. Applications are submitted to the IONS Secretariat, which seeks consensus for new members.
- 3.2 A minimum of five nations is required for an IWG to be effective, with no upper limit on membership.
- 3.3 Representatives should typically hold ranks between O-3 (Navy Lieutenant) and O-6 (Navy Captain), or equivalent. Each member or observer nation may nominate up to two representatives per session.
4.0 Chairmanship
- 4.1 Each IWG is co-chaired by two volunteer IONS members, appointed at the Conclave of Chiefs. co-chairs may be One-Star (1*) or O-6 rank, as appropriate.
- 4.2 Chairmanship ordinarily runs for two years, aligned with the IONS Chairmanship tenure. IWGs may conclude or be handed over to new co-chairs at the end of tenure, unless extended by consensus.
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4.3 Chairmanship Responsibilities:
- 4.3.1 Draft or update a concept paper outlining the IWG’s direction, goals and methods.
- 4.3.2 Hold at least one workshop annually.
- 4.3.3 Present an IWG report at the Conclave of Chiefs, including tangible outcomes such as resolutions, recommended programmes, or guidelines.
- 4.3.4 Ensure minimal hospitality is provided by the host country, as outlined in administrative guidance.
- 4.3.5 Invite subject matter experts, from government or non-government sectors, as guest speakers.
- 4.3.6 Prepare and distribute agendas, summary records, and resolutions within one month of each event.
- 4.3.7 Conduct formal handovers to newly appointed co-chairs at the end of tenure.
Note: IWG correspondence with members and observers may be facilitated by the IONS Secretariat.
6.0 Legal Considerations
- 6.1 The ToR is not legally binding under international law. It does not establish enforceable rights, duties, or obligations for members or observers, nor does it create responsibilities enforceable in any tribunal, court, or third-party forum.
7.0 Review
- 7.1 Members and observers may submit recommendations for modifications to the IONS Chair.
- 7.2 The Chair will review the ToR as necessary, in consultation with members and observers, for approval by the Conclave of Chiefs.
8.0 Amendments
- 8.1 Amendments to the ToR may be proposed by any member.
- 8.2 Amendments must be accepted by consensus of all members represented at the Conclave of Chiefs.
| Version | Date | Description of changes | Affected sections |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 6 June 2016 | New document | All |
| 2.0 | 22 December 2023 | Document review | All |
