The 2nd edition of the India-Australia-Indonesia Trilateral Maritime Security Workshop (TMSW) concluded today at INS Dronacharya in Kochi, India.
The three-day event, conducted from May 15-17, brought together delegates from the navies of the three nations to discuss enhancing regional maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The workshop, held under the aegis of Headquarters Southern Naval Command, was presided over by Rear Admiral Nirbhay Bapna, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Foreign Cooperation and Intelligence) of the Indian Navy. It was co-chaired by Commodore Paul O’Grady from the Royal Australian Navy, First Admiral Heri Triwibowo from the Indonesian Navy, and Commodore Manmeet S Khurana, Commodore (Foreign Cooperation) of the Indian Navy.
With the theme “Indian Ocean Region: Collaborative Efforts to Enhance Regional Maritime Security,” the workshop facilitated discussions on various maritime challenges and opportunities for cooperation among the three nations.
Topics covered included information exchange mechanisms, maritime domain awareness, non-traditional and illicit maritime activities, maritime law enforcement, capability enhancement, capacity building, and avenues for enhancing interoperability. Rear Admiral Upal Kundu, Chief of Staff at Headquarters Southern Naval Command, and Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Sea Training, delivered talks during the workshop, providing valuable insights into the region’s maritime security landscape.
“The Indian Ocean Region is a vital maritime domain, and cooperation among nations is crucial for ensuring its security and stability,” said Rear Admiral Nirbhay Bapna. “This trilateral workshop has provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration among India, Australia, and Indonesia, three maritime neighbors committed to promoting a rules-based order in the region.” As part of the workshop, delegates from the Australian and Indonesian navies visited Indian Naval training facilities in Kochi and the Cochin Shipyard Limited, fostering greater understanding and cooperation among the participating nations.
The Trilateral Maritime Security Workshop underscores the importance of regional partnerships in addressing shared maritime challenges and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indian Ocean Region.
