Jean-St\u00e9phane Betton<\/strong> on the “first inventors” of the Indian Ocean.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWe wish you a pleasant reading<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n2018, Kochi, India : 10th anniversary of the creation of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium. Cr\u00e9dit : DR.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe 7th<\/sup> edition of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) will be held for the first time in France, on the island of La Reunion from Monday, June 28 to Thursday, July 1, 2021. <\/span><\/p>\nDiscussions will focus on the three working themes of the IONS: maritime security, interoperability and sharing of maritime information, assistance to populations affected by natural disasters. France proposed the issue of environmental security as the general theme of the symposium. <\/span><\/p>\nFor this 7th<\/sup> edition, France is taking over the presidency of the IONS for the first time and for a two-year mandate. <\/span><\/p>\nThe IONS symposium was created in 2008 with the aim of promoting cooperation between the navies of the Indian Ocean coastal states, and consolidating a common approach to the challenges and responses related to regional issues. <\/span><\/p>\nThis meeting is a privileged forum for exchange between these 25 nations, plus eight observer States and eight States invited by France for this edition. <\/span><\/p>\nThe chairmanship of the IONS is held in turn by a permanent member: the transfer of chairmanship is the subject of a symposium, allowing the permanent working groups to report on their work and allowing the Chiefs of Staff of the navies concerned to meet in order to decide on its development. <\/span><\/p>\nDue to the pandemic, the decision-making body of the IONS, the Conclave, will meet in the autumn of 2021 when the health situation permits to bring together, physically, as many CEMMs as possible to take decisions on the direction of the IONS work for the coming years. <\/span><\/p>\nAs an ex-officio member of the IONS since 2014, France is taking over the presidency for the first time, for a period of two years. In the presence of Admiral Pierre Vandier, Chief of Staff of the French Navy, France thus reaffirms its commitment to peace, maritime security, international cooperation and environmental protection in the Indian Ocean region. <\/span><\/p>\nWith the islands of La Reunion and Mayotte and its Southern and Austral Territories, France is a coastal nation of the Indian Ocean. In this strategic area, France has a permanent military and naval capacity, and established defence agreements with other Indian Ocean coastal states, including several strategic partnerships. <\/span><\/p>\nSource: French Navy Information and Public Relations Department<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Interview by Bertrand de Lesquen<\/em><\/p>\n* * * * *<\/p>\n
What is the added value of a meeting like the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nIndian Ocean Naval Symposium was established following the growth of piracy from the Gulf of Aden to the Indian Ocean basin. When International Maritime Organization<\/em> (IMO) declared 700 miles off the Horn of Africa dangerous for seafaring, the concept of IONS came into existence and it has been continuing as having been led by the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy as its periodical chair having attained some degrees of successes. The added values of this symposium are as following:<\/span><\/p>\n\nIncreasing environmental awareness of the Indian Ocean littoral states about the security of the Indian Ocean and seas around the maritime areas under their rules.<\/span><\/li>\nSharing expert, professional and tactical ideas and opinions of navies of the Indian Ocean littoral states on the ground created by IONS, especially in the Conclaves of Chiefs.<\/span><\/li>\nEmpowering Working Groups and sharing existing capacities.<\/span><\/li>\nCreating awareness and a constructive competition for capacity building with the aim at reaching maritime collective security.<\/span><\/li>\nDeveloping communications through building appropriate communication channels which were nonexistent in advance. This topic has facilitated talks among navies and establishment of appropriate communications.<\/span><\/li>\nProducing maritime literature in different aspects through speeches, IONSPHERE journal and three working groups.<\/span><\/li>\nImproving professionalism in navies and increasing security of the Indian Ocean, especially in the northern part of it.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\nWhat is your assessment of the Iranian presidency of the IONS?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nThe Islamic Republic of Iran Navy\u2019s chairmanship was different from other iterations. One of the differences was the tenure which increased from 2 to 3 years. This edition had important achievements during which following effective measures have been taken:<\/span><\/p>\n\nHolding the second IONS Maritime Security Working Group meeting within the ten-year history of IONS.<\/span><\/li>\nOriginating the zero draft of the Indian Ocean Maritime Security Guidelines and introducing it to other countries based on existing commonalities, security outlook, and potential and existing regional and global interactions and approaches.<\/span><\/li>\nHolding Initial Planning Conference (IPC) and Final Planning Conference (FPC) of IONS Maritime Exercises (IMEX) in two separate dates.<\/span><\/li>\nMaking preliminary arrangements for conducting IMEX and establishing vessels and forces which was postponed due to outspread of Coronavirus and health and safety requirements.<\/span><\/li>\nWriting and compiling the IONS Tactical Publication (ITP) remained from the previous CoCs with an approach to having the maximum level of commonalities among IONS navies, nature of actionstaken by the IONS member navies and with a look in line with the need for the least educational processesto use and the possibility of upgrading it to new versions.<\/span><\/li>\nWith efforts of our friends in the Indian Navy, compiling and completing of the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) IONS Working GroupGuidelines went forward appropriately and affectively. Moreover, draft of the Maritime Search & Rescue Guidelines was separately promulgated by the Bangladesh Navy.<\/span><\/li>\nWith efforts of our friends in the Royal Australian Navy, Communication Plan (COMPLAN) including communication codes, frequencies and communication instructions for the IONS navies\u2019 vessels were written and announced to members.<\/span><\/li>\nIn this edition of IONS, with efforts of all members, especially with the serious activity of IONS Working Groups and with a look to the importance of information sharing in IONS, information sharing and maritime security centers within the IONS region, took actions towards making communications between each other and exchanging inter-memorandums of understanding with an outstanding growth and movement.Therefore, desire of these centers to have communications became obvious more than past. All to this topic happened because of the unity of opinion achieved by consecutive meetings and gatherings of members andit followed the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy strategies to keep its promise to the Chiefs of the IONS navies as to move towards practical measures.<\/span><\/li>\nWith the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman\u2019s attention and active interactions, the pre-session meeting for handing over chair of the 7th<\/sup>IONS was held in the best way possiblein complete convergence and synergy of members with participants representing 23 countries, reaching expected aims of the chairs of IONS Working Groups and members in due time and alsoreaching the expectedaims to suggest proposals toIONS Chiefs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\nNow with regard to reaching convergence and synergy, we hope that the French Navy is able to get enough profit from preliminaries provided and integrated in the 6th <\/sup>edition with a look to its future role in IONS as a part of the countries and people of the region and to bring unity and connection to front operational units at sea to perform announced joint operations, to establish naval task groups and coalitions necessitated to IONS aims that we evaluateitas a big exam for the French Navy.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat does the Indian Ocean (in the broad sense) represent for Iran at the beginning of the 21st<\/sup> century?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nThe Indian Oceanis very important for the Iranian-Islamic civilization. Second step of the Islamic Revolution of Iran is a civilization makingstep and one of the important domains ofthat is maritime civilization. According to the plan,the Islamic Republic of Iran\u2019s civilization leap towards sea happens in this era and the Indian Oceanis a very important arena from different aspects includingblue economy, civilization talks, cooperation with friends, and counteracting against threats tothe Islamic Republic of Iran.In this arena, the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy is the pioneer of this civilization movement and both its security-creating actions and itsrole to reach maximum collective security are really important. Without a safe Indian Ocean, the Islamic Republic of Iran\u2019s maritime security as a littoral state having a civilization leap towards sea is meaningless.The Indian Oceanis the golden gate forthe Islamic Republic of Iran\u2019s civilization talks withrest of the world; therefore, in the beginning of the 21st<\/sup> century, a safe Indian Oceanis really important for theIslamic Republic of Iran. It has been a geo-political and geo-strategical domain for the Islamic Republic of Iran and other littoral states and it will be the start of a pathbeing more than ever fundamental in active interactions with the regional nations and the world.<\/span><\/p>\nThe Indian Oceanis the ring linking West of Asia to its East. Not only its communicational role is important for Asian countries but it is also important for the world. Thus, taking principal conceptions for gaining benefits from countless potentials of the Indian Oceanlike establishing logical, targeted and smart relationships with other beneficiaries in this region can be an effective step in an optimal and peaceful use of the Indian Ocean.<\/span><\/p>\nThe iranian Navy. Copyright: Iranian Navy.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nHow is the Iranian Navy present there and what are its main missions?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\nThe Islamic Republic of Iran has always emphasized on the principle of providing security for maritime domains with collaboration of littorals while respecting their rights. The Islamic Republic of Iran Navy also has based its strategy on the same principle of active collaboration and partnership aimed to provide collective security. The Islamic Republic of Iran Navy\u2019s activities in different maritime domains have always been security-creating and there are numerous examples of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy\u2019s positive role in fighting terrorism. The Islamic Republic of Iran Navy also looks forward to completing such a mission in the Indian Ocean basin.<\/span><\/li>\nThe Islamic Republic of Iran is a coastal country and has interests and resources located at sea. Therefore, the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy\u2019s presence in the region takes place with following approaches:<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\nEstablishing maritime security and controlling waters under the rule of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the eastern part of the Strait of Hormuz.<\/span><\/li>\nProviding the security of the country’s SLOCs.<\/span><\/li>\nPreventing formation of centers of insecurity in adjacent waters.<\/span><\/li>\nAttaining collective security and stabilizing it for the benefit of the region and the world.<\/span><\/li>\nPartnership and active interaction in peacemaking and peacekeeping processes.<\/span><\/li>\nDevelopingthe navy from a world scale navy to a blue water navy.<\/span><\/li>\nSupporting economic developmentsof the Islamic Republic of Iran, particularly the second step of revolution.<\/span><\/li>\nPlaying the role of police to establish security and discipline at sea.<\/span><\/li>\nSimultaneously, partnership or establishment of regional and international coalitions according to agreements obtained.<\/span><\/li>\nPerforming humanitarian assistance role.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\nWhat co-operations do you carry out in the Indian Ocean?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nThe Islamic Republic of Iran Navy\u2019s focus of cooperation in the Indian Oceanaimed at reaching collective security and stabilizing it is firmly based on these topics:<\/span><\/p>\n\nInformation sharing with friend and neighboring navies aimed at increasing environmental awareness.<\/span><\/li>\nMaking ground for conducting exercises with either neighboring countries or other littorals in the Indian Ocean.<\/span><\/li>\nConducting mutual visits from ports.<\/span><\/li>\nEducational, research and sports interactions and cooperation.<\/span><\/li>\nProviding mutual technical services on demand.<\/span><\/li>\nHolding and participating in ongoing meetings, performances and gatherings.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\nWhat is the relationship between the Iranian Navy and the French Navy?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nThe relationship between the Islamic Republic of Iran Navyand the French Navy is getting organized and we haven\u2019t been able to reach a unanimous and synergetic point of interaction yetwhich of course it seems attainable. We believe that the French Navy is standing on the wrong side, being the representative of a European country rather than being the representative of nations of the Indian Ocean region. IONS Charter of Business was ratified by all members emphasizing on providing security of the region by its littorals, but joining the French Navy to the naval coalition that Americans has formed as the pivot of mischief, insecurity and terror in the region is one of the matters hindering unanimity and synergy. Bydoing so, France has violated the IONS Charter of Business. This lack of commitment to the mentioned symposium obligations was from the French side and its repetition in France\u2019s tenure for two upcoming years will not have good results for the region. We expect the French Navy to strengthen security arrangements in the region boosting regional convergence. However, in its own nature of presence, the French Navy apparently follows interests contradicting with interests of regional collective security, particularly maritime national interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Hence, if they follow their current approach \u2013while having the possibility of moving towards regional commonalities\u2013 and continue on their diverging approach and acting as the representative of the oppressive countries of theregion’s colonial history instead of representing the governments and nations of the region, it cannot be expected that any kind of interactive relationship would take place and get boosted between France and one of the strongest, most civilized and most important countries of the region i.e. the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Islamic Republic of Iran is a country with the highest levels of geopolitical security in the region and this is very valuable for the region and the world. The discourse and talks between the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy and the French Navy began to form in the ground of IONS and for the time being, no real interactive approach is seen from France and the relationship between the two navies is ongoing in the lowest and the most common condition. Up to present, the French Navy has not responded positively and meaningfully to the interactive approaches of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy, particularly as they are on the verge of taking over the chair of the 7th<\/sup> IONS. Indeed, if the relationships are not strong, their roots should be sought from the French side.<\/span><\/p>\nThe frigate Jamaran of the Iranian Navy. Copyright: Iranian Navy.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nPresentation of Rear Admiral Dr. Hossein Khanzadi<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nRear Admiral Dr. Hossein Khanzadi was born in 1946 in Gorgan, Golestan. He studied Navigation and Ship Command at Imam Khomeini Naval Academy in Nowshahr. In addition, he has completed the Hovercraft Piloting course and he received his master’s degree in Maritime Scientific Defense Management from AJA University of Command and Staff. He also has a master\u2019s degree in Maritime Warfare Planning from Pakistan and a Ph.D. in Strategic Management (Military) from the Supreme National Defense University of Iran.<\/span><\/p>\nAdditionally, Rear Admiral Dr. Hossein Khanzadi has accomplished various courses in the radio and tactical communications and he also used to be the pilot and commander of the hovercrafts BH7 and SRN6. He has also played a prominent role in various areas, including International Maritime Law to Artillery Fire Control, Electronic Navigation, Modern Wars, Electronic Wars, Anti-surface Operations, Maritime Planning, Maritime Safety Management, Management of Maintenance and Repair of Ships.<\/span><\/p>\nRear Admiral Dr. Hossein Khanzadi is a faculty member of the Ministry of Science with the rank of Assistant Professor and he has developed his Master’s thesis entitled \u201cApplication of Hovercrafts in I.R. Iran Navy\u2019s Future Missions Based on Defense Against Threats\u201d. He is also a lecturer in various fields of Maritime Sciences.<\/span><\/p>\nRear Admiral Dr. Hossein Khanzadi is fluent in English and plays an influential role in formulating the Navy Strategic Plans for the 2025 horizon. To date, he has contributed to the compilation and translation of several books, including \u201cMarine Tactics and Equipment\u201d, \u201cUsing and Navigating Drone KD2R5Q\u201d, and \u201cStrategic Straits of the World\u201d and he is working on a number of books on the subjects of \u201cHovercrafts\u201d, \u201cThe Geopolitics of the Indian Ocean\u201d, \u201cThe Basics of Maritime Power\u201d, and so on.<\/span><\/p>\nAmong the responsibilities of the Rear Admiral in the past, the followings can be mentioned:<\/span><\/p>\n\nArtillery, Sailor, and Telecommunications Officer in the amphibious flotilla of the IRIN<\/span><\/li>\nArtillery, Sailor, and Anti-Submarine Officer in the destroyers flotilla of the IRIN<\/span><\/li>\nOperations Officer, deputy Commander, and Commander of the Hovercraft Squadron of the IRIN<\/span><\/li>\nDirector of Education at the Education Department, and<\/span><\/li>\nDeputy of the IRIN Department of Plan & Policy and budget<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nIn 1986, Rear Admiral Dr. Hossein Khanzadi entered Imam Khomeini Naval Academy in Nowshahr and he is the first IRIN Commander who graduated from this academy.<\/span><\/p>\nSource : Iran Navy<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00ab Whoever attains maritime supremacy in the Indian Ocean would be a prominent player on the international scene. Whoever control the Indian Ocean dominates Asia. This ocean is the key to the seven seas in the twenty-first century, the destiny of the world will be decided in these waters<\/em>\u201d. (Rear Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n
Indonesia is one of the largest archipelagic countries in the world and has a very unique location. More than 17 thousand large and small islands decorate the equator. Indonesia is located between two oceans, the Pacific Ocean in the North and the Indian Ocean in the South. Likewise, Indonesia is flanked by two continents, Asia and Australia. The geographical location is at 6o<\/sup> North Latitude (North Latitude) – 11o<\/sup> South Latitude and 95o<\/sup> East Longitude – 141o<\/sup> East Longitude.<\/span><\/p>\nBased on its geographic location, Indonesia has various basic assets that are very profitable both from a geo-economic and geopolitical point of view. Due to its geographical location, Indonesia is naturally affected by monsoons. Around the month of October-April, the wind blows from Asia to Australia which brings a lot of water vapor from the Pacific Ocean causing the rainy season. Around April-October the wind blows from Australia to Asia which brings a little moisture from the Indian Ocean causing the dry season. With only two seasons, summer and rainy season, Indonesia has the opportunity to become a leading agricultural country. Agriculture in Indonesia is easy to manage and can be developed to produce foodstuffs that are very useful for the prosperity and sustainability of the population of Indonesia and the world.<\/span><\/p>\nIndonesia is at the crossroads of world traffic, both air and sea traffic. Therefore, economically, Indonesia has the opportunity to become a hub for international trade between industrialized countries and developing countries, such as Japan, Korea and China as part of Asian countries, In addition to Africa and Europe. This position should be a bargaining position in building the Indonesian economy. In this paper the next discussion will focus on discussing Indonesia and its interests in the Indian Ocean.<\/span><\/p>\nAround 70% of world trade is carried out through Indian Ocean shipping. Therefore, countries located in Indian Ocean should benefit from this trade traffic, however, only six countries control and are active in trading, reaching 96% of total trade. The six countries, namely, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Australia and South Africa. Why is the Indian Ocean Region so important and strategic?<\/span><\/p>\nFrom a demographic aspect, the Indian Ocean region is a future region. The average age of the population in this regional country is under 30 years, compared with the average population of the United States, who is 38 years old and Japan, who is 46 years old. The countries in contact with the Indian Ocean are inhabited by approximately 2.5 billion people, which is one third of the world’s population.<\/span><\/p>\n
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<\/a>The 2nd<\/sup> quarter 2021 of Marine & Oceans<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/a> is dedicated to the Indian Ocean as France is taking over the presidency of the\u00a0Indian Ocean Naval Symposium\u00a0<\/em>for two years (see below), following the chairmanship of Iran.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/marine-oceans.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/06\/IONS-Indan-Ocean-Symposium.jpeg\")
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