Consider the following statements about Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). 1. It is a voluntary initiative that brings together navies of littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region with the aim of increasing maritime cooperation and enhancing regional security. 2. It was launched by India in 2012. 3. It works to ensure speedy response to requirements of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) in the IOR. Which of the above statements is/are correct? Correct Answer 1 and 3 The correct answer is 1 and 3. Key Points The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) is an inclusive and voluntary initiative that brings together navies of littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region with the aim of increasing maritime cooperation and enhancing regional security. It was launched by India in February 2008. In addition to fostering maritime cooperation, other principle objectives of IONS were to promote a shared understanding of maritime issues facing the region, formulate strategies and cooperative mechanisms to enhance regional maritime security and strengthen capabilities to ensure speedy response to requirements of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) in the IOR.