Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) :
1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.
2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A
1 only
B
2 only
C
Both 1 and 2
D
Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
1. Statement 1 is incorrect. The Inaugural Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) was indeed held in India under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy, but it took place in 2008, not 2015.
2. Statement 2 is correct. IONS is accurately described as a voluntary initiative that aims to increase maritime co-operation among the navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It provides a forum for discussion on regional maritime issues.
3. Therefore, only statement 2 is correct.