Pakistan Navy Hosts Indian Ocean Naval Symposium Workshop in Karachi

The Pakistan Navy successfully organized the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Preparatory Workshop in Karachi, reinforcing its strategic commitment to maritime security and regional cooperation.

According to the Director General Public Relations (Navy), the workshop was attended by 42 foreign delegates from 23 IONS member nations, including Australia, Bangladesh, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. An additional six countries, including India and the United Arab Emirates, participated virtually via Zoom.

This workshop acts as a key preparatory event ahead of the IONS Conclave of Chiefs (CoC) and serves as a platform to discuss regional maritime security challenges, enhance mutual understanding, and promote multilateral naval collaboration.

Vice Admiral Raja Rab Nawaz, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff, officially welcomed the international delegates and emphasized the Pakistan Navy’s unwavering resolve to support peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

“Through sustained cooperation and shared responsibility, we aim to build a secure maritime environment for all regional stakeholders,” said Vice Admiral Nawaz.

The workshop featured expert sessions on pressing maritime concerns such as piracy, illicit trafficking, territorial conflicts, and the growing importance of maritime domain awareness. Speakers highlighted the need for joint frameworks to ensure collective maritime resilience.

Participants were also briefed on the Pakistan Navy’s operational capabilities, peacekeeping efforts, and its contribution to maintaining the security of strategic sea lanes.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment among member states to deepen bilateral and multilateral ties and pursue sustainable maritime solutions for the Indian Ocean’s security and prosperity.