9th IONS Conclave of Chiefs held in Visakhapatnam

Current Context: On 20 February 2026, the 9th Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs was held in Visakhapatnam, India.

• India assumed Chairmanship of IONS (2026–2028) from the Royal Thai Navy, led by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff.
• Chiefs of Navies and Maritime Security Heads from 33 countries participated, including 25 member nations and observers.
• Philippines was inducted as an Observer, while Oman joined the Working Group on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
• The theme was “Maritime Cooperation for Humanitarian Support”, focusing on disaster response and collective stability.
• India announced plans for IONS Maritime Exercise (IMEX), Mission SAGAR, and workshops to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).

Question:

Q.1 Which country joined the Working Group on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) under the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)?
a) Maldives
b) Oman
c) Bangladesh
d) Seychelles

Answer: b) Oman joined the Working Group on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).