The Indian Ocean is one of the world’s most essential maritime routes, connecting major economies and supporting global trade. Ensuring the safety and security of this vast region is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation, real-time data exchange, and trusted partnerships. In this spirit, the Maritime Information Sharing Workshop (MISW 2025) is being hosted from 03 to 05 November 2025 by the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram, India.
This gathering brings together maritime security professionals, regional bodies, and global stakeholders. The theme for this year, “Enhancing Real-Time Coordination and Information Sharing Across the Indian Ocean Region,” clearly emphasizes the importance of collaborative action in countering emerging maritime threats.
Why Maritime Information Sharing Matters
The Indian Ocean Region acts as a maritime corridor through which a major portion of global oil, energy products, and container shipments move daily. It connects countries, cultures, and economies. However, the same waters are vulnerable to a range of security challenges such as:
- Piracy and armed robbery at sea
- Drug trafficking and arms smuggling
- Irregular human migration
- Illegal fishing and maritime environmental incidents
These challenges do not remain limited to one nation’s jurisdiction. They impact trade, human safety, and geopolitical stability. Therefore, Maritime Information Sharing and coordinated maritime surveillance play a key role in maintaining Maritime Security.
This is where IFC-IOR and MISW 2025 become significant.
The Role of IFC-IOR in Strengthening Maritime Security
The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) was inaugurated on 22 December 2018. Its mission is to enhance maritime safety and maintain peace across the Indian Ocean Region. IFC-IOR functions as a collaborative hub, where different countries share maritime data, coordinate efforts, and respond to threats more effectively.
Key Points About IFC-IOR:
- Headed currently by Captain Sachin Kumar Singh
- Hosts International Liaison Officers (ILOs) from 15 countries
- Actively collaborates with 57 maritime security constructs and 25 partner nations
- Focuses on creating a cohesive maritime information network
Its vision is aligned with India’s broader diplomatic and maritime security philosophy called MAHASAGAR: Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
Evolution of MISW – From 2019 to 2025
The Maritime Information Sharing Workshop began in 2019. Since then, it has grown into a vital platform where security professionals learn, collaborate, and build practical solutions. Unlike typical conferences that focus only on discussions, the MISW format emphasizes:
- Operational learning
- Best practice sharing
- Real-time problem-solving
- Building trust among regional partners
MISW 2025 represents the third edition of this flagship workshop, demonstrating its growing relevance and expanding international participation.
MISW 2025 – Theme and Objectives
The central theme of MISW 2025, “Enhancing Real-Time Coordination and Information Sharing Across the Indian Ocean Region,” captures the collective ambition of participating nations. The idea is to move from dialogue to direct operational application, ensuring that maritime information is not just collected but used effectively.
Key Objectives:
- Improve Maritime Information Sharing between regional countries
- Strengthen the Maritime Security network in the Indian Ocean Region
- Promote collaboration among partner nations, organizations, and navies
- Utilize technology for real-time situational awareness
- Conduct practical exercises to simulate real-world maritime threats
Participation and Inaugural Leadership
MISW 2025 is bringing together maritime security practitioners from 30 countries belonging to major regional organizations:
- Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)
- Djibouti Code of Conduct / Jeddah Amendment (DCoC/JA)
- Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)
The workshop will be inaugurated by Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Indian Navy.
Additionally, a keynote address will be delivered by Mr. Sushil Mansing Khopde, IPS, Additional Director General of DG Shipping.
Their presence highlights India’s commitment to enabling leadership and partnership in the Indian Ocean Region’s Maritime Security architecture.
Thematic Sessions and Collaborative Dialogues
MISW 2025 includes tailored sessions for:
- BIMSTEC nations
- IORA member states
- DCoC/JA countries
International and regional organizations contributing to discussions include:
- UNODC
- ReCAAP ISC
- Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (RMIFC)
- IFC Singapore
- RCoC
- Leading global shipping companies
These sessions aim to develop operational strategies, share experiences, and build mechanisms for faster and more reliable maritime intelligence exchange.
National Maritime Information Sharing Centres (NMISCs)
One of the highlights of the workshop is India’s effort towards establishing National Maritime Information Sharing Centres (NMISCs). These centers are crucial nodes that help monitor, analyze, and distribute maritime data efficiently.
NMISCs strengthen the larger network of Maritime Information Sharing, ensuring that maritime risks are identified early and responses are coordinated.
Table Top Exercise (TTX): From Planning to Action
The workshop concludes with a high-fidelity Table Top Exercise (TTX) held at the IFC-IOR.
This simulation will:
- Present real-world maritime threat scenarios
- Engage delegates in collaborative decision-making
- Encourage syndicate-based contingency planning
- Reinforce the value of shared situational awareness
This step ensures that participants not only discuss Maritime Security but practice how to respond collectively and efficiently.
Significance of the Indian Ocean Region
The Indian Ocean Region is more than a trade route. It is:
- A link between Asia, Africa, and the Middle East
- A zone of thriving commercial activity
- A strategic region with geopolitical importance
Maintaining stability here is vital to global economic stability. The Maritime Information Sharing Workshop (MISW 2025) is therefore not just an event — it is a strategic investment in the shared future of the region.
A Step Towards Safer Seas
MISW 2025 reflects the IFC-IOR’s commitment to building a maritime security ecosystem that is transparent, cooperative, and resilient. The workshop is expected to make a significant contribution to shaping long-term strategies for Maritime Information Sharing and coordinated responses in the Indian Ocean Region.
In a world where maritime threats continue to evolve, collaboration remains the strongest tool. MISW 2025 is a step toward ensuring that the Indian Ocean remains secure, stable, and prosperous for all.
Source: Ministry of Defence ( PIB )
