First Responder Beyond Borders: Indian Navy's Humanitarian Outreach in the Indian Ocean Region
Feb 20, 2026
Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) [India], February 20: The Indian Navy hosted the 9th edition of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs on 20 February 2026 at Visakhapatnam, at a time when the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is witnessing increasingly frequent natural disasters and humanitarian crises. With 'Maritime Cooperation for Humanitarian Support' as a central theme, IONS 2026 reflects the shared recognition among regional navies that humanitarian response at sea requires cooperation, coordination, and collective resolve. In this context, the Indian Navy's consistent humanitarian outreach to partner nations highlights India's intent to contribute constructively to regional self-reliance.