More than 31 countries will take part in a workshop in Gurugram for a three-day meet starting September 14 to discuss all maritime issues in the context of the strategically important Indian Ocean.
The participants will gather for the Maritime Information Sharing Workshop 2023 (MISW 23), navy officials said here on Tuesday. The workshop, hosted by the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), brings together 31 countries of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Djibouti Code of Conduct/ Jeddah Amendment (DCoC/JA).
Oceans are the lifeblood of humanity and maritime trade is the cornerstone of global commerce. The significance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) extends far beyond its geographical boundaries; it serves as a hub of economic activities, a bridge between continents, and a stage for geopolitical dynamics. Maritime security is not just crucial for economic stability but also for geopolitical equilibrium. Contemporary challenges maritime safety and security necessitate unified commitment, collaborative strategies, and seamless information exchange among global and regional stakeholders.
Recognising this critical need, the _Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), Gurugram, was inaugurated on December 22, 2018_, with a mission to enhance maritime safety and security in the region. To further India’s vision of _‘Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR),’_ IFC-IOR conducts a series of workshops and training programs, of which the Maritime Information Sharing Workshop (MISW) is the flagship event. The inaugural edition of MISW was conducted in 2019.
The MISW is a dynamic platform for the exchange of best practices amongst working level professionals in the maritime security domain across the globe. It serves as a catalyst for building bridges of camaraderie, uniting professionals towards a shared and coordinated response to the multifaceted challenges posed by threats to maritime safety and security.