India Assumes Chairmanship of IONS Context: India has taken over the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) from Thailand. About Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Established in 2008 as a voluntary maritime initiative by the Indian Navy. Created to strengthen naval cooperation and coordination among countries bordering the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Functions as a platform for enhancing trust, dialogue, and interoperability between member navies. Exercise Vajra Prahar 2026 Context: The 16th edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar will be conducted jointly by the Indian Army and the United States Army at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. Exercise Vajra Prahar reinforces India–US military cooperation, enhances combat synergy between elite forces, and improves readiness to address emerging security threats. About the Exercise A bilateral Special Forces drill between India and the United States. Aims to strengthen defence collaboration and strategic partnership between the two nations. Enhances interoperability, coordination, and combined operational preparedness. Facilitates sharing of special operations tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). INS Krishna Context: The Indian Navy commissioned INS Krishna, the inaugural vessel in a series of three indigenous Cadet Training Ships (CTS), at the L&T Shipyard located in Kattupalli, Chennai. INS Krishna is the first vessel in a series of three indigenously developed Cadet Training Ships (CTS). It has been designed and constructed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T). The primary objective of INS Krishna is to enhance the Indian Navy’s training ecosystem. It offers a focused environment where cadets can practice navigation, seamanship, and ship-handling skills. This prevents operational warships from being diverted away from active service for training duties.
