Maritime Information Sharing Workshop 2023: A Leap Forward In Maritime Security
The Maritime Information Sharing Workshop (MISW) 2023, hosted by the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), witnessed a gathering of 41 delegates from 26 countries. The event, held from September 14 to 16, 2023, aimed at bolstering collaboration among maritime security stakeholders in the region.
The workshop was inaugurated by VAdm Sanjay Mahindru, the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Indian Navy, who stressed the importance of enhanced maritime collaboration and trust-based partnerships in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The first day featured enlightening sessions that provided a nuanced understanding of maritime safety and security challenges. VAdm Pradeep Chauhan (Retd) and VAdm Anup Singh (Retd) provided a comprehensive perspective on contemporary maritime security challenges and the imperative need for international cooperation.
The second day introduced India’s approach to maritime security with a focus on Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC) and Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR). A maritime security exercise, utilizing the indigenous NISHAR-IFC software, allowed participants to engage in real-world scenarios, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts.
The final day was dedicated to the Djibouti Code of Conduct-Jeddah Amendment (DCoC/JA) countries. The agenda included streamlining the DCoC Information Sharing Network (ISN) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and discussions on combating transnational crimes in the maritime domain.
MISW 2023 not only fostered knowledge exchange but also strengthened international bonds, reaffirming the commitment of nations to work together towards a safer and more secure maritime environment.
The workshop’s theme, “Advancing Maritime Security for a Sustainable Future,” resonated throughout the event, highlighting the need for security, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region. The workshop was a collective endeavor to chart the course toward a more secure and prosperous maritime future.