By IRNA
New Delhi : The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, `IONS Seminar 2008′ conducted jointly by the Indian Navy and the National Maritime Foundation (NMF) kicked off Thursday in New Delhi.
The Defence Attache of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Colonel Majid Pirhadi attended the two-day (Feb 14 & 15), IONS Seminar, inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh.
Beside Iran, countries from South Africa to Australia had been invited, most of them have confirmed their participation for the IONS foundation meeting here.
However, China and the US have been excluded from the IONS, since they are not littoral states.
Thirty-three countries, including India have been identified as littoral nation states of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) will be conducted in two parts – a two-day seminar in New Delhi followed by a two-day conclave in Goa of the naval chiefs of the participating countries.
“This maiden Symposium aims to increase maritime co-operation among participating navies/maritime agencies by providing a forum for discussion of maritime issues, both global and regional, and in the process generate a flow of information and opinion between naval professionals leading to a common understanding and possible agreements on the way ahead.”
The `IONS Seminar 2008′ will also generate a number of opportunities for invitees to interact bilaterally and multi- laterally.
Other highlights would include an opportunity to witness India’s foremost Defence Exhibition, `DEFEXPO-2008′, begins in New Delhi from 16-19 February 2008.