MARITIME INFORMATION SHARING WORKSHOP 2025

Overview The Ministry of Defence is set to host the third edition of the Maritime Information Sharing Workshop (MISW 2025) in Gurugram, India , from 03 - 05 Nov 2025 . The event is organized by the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) and will focus on “Enhancing Real-Time Coordination and Information Sharing Across the Indian Ocean Region.” This workshop serves as a pivotal international platform to strengthen collaboration for safeguarding vital sea lanes. Key Developments Anchoring Regional Collaboration through MISW Aligned with India’s vision of ‘Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR)’ , the IFC-IOR conducts workshops and training programs, with MISW as its flagship event. The inaugural MISW was held in 2019 . Since then, it has evolved into a key operational forum for professionals to exchange best practices, enhance interoperability, and foster trust-based information sharing. Objective: To catalyze coordinated responses to transnational maritime threats, including piracy, drug smuggling, and irregular human migration. Impact: Reinforces the Indian Ocean Region’s collective resilience and promotes secure, stable, and sustainable seas. From Dialogue to Action: MISW 2025 Charts a New Course MISW 25 aims to foster engagement with partner nations and regional constructs, focusing on the operational application of maritime security information and technology to counter non-traditional threats. The workshop includes tailored sessions for regional constructs and a table-top exercise at IFC-IOR . Inauguration: By Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti , the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (DCNS) . Keynote Address: By Mr. Sushil Mansing Khopde, IPS , Additional Director General of DG Shipping . Participants: Maritime security practitioners from 30 countries , including members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) , the Djibouti Code of Conduct/ Jeddah Amendment (DCoC/JA) , and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) . Setting the Course: Dialogue, Innovation, and Action MISW 25 features thematic sessions for BIMSTEC , IORA , and DCoC/JA participants, with contributions from UNODC , ReCAAP ISC , RMIFC , IFC Singapore , RCoC , and leading shipping companies. Panel discussions will focus on creating a resilient maritime information ecosystem, highlighting India’s role in establishing National Maritime Information Sharing Centres (NMISCs) . The workshop will conclude with a Table Top Exercise (TTX) simulating real-world maritime threats. The Indian Ocean: A Global Economic Lifeline The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is critical for global commerce, facilitating the majority of the world's oil and container traffic. It serves as a hub of economic activities and a bridge between continents. Maritime security is essential for both economic stability and geopolitical equilibrium. IFC-IOR Inauguration: Inaugurated on 22 Dec 2018 , with the mission to enhance maritime safety and security in the region. Current Leadership: Headed by Captain Sachin Kumar Singh . Collaboration: Hosts ILOs from 15 countries and collaborates with 57 maritime security constructs and 25 partner countries . UPSC Relevance This event is relevant to GS Paper 2 (International Relations) and GS Paper 3 (Security) . It highlights India's role in promoting maritime security and regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. Understanding the objectives and outcomes of MISW 2025 is crucial for aspirants. Key Terms for UPSC IFC-IOR: Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region MISW: Maritime Information Sharing Workshop MAHASAGAR: Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions IORA: Indian Ocean Rim Association DCoC/JA: Djibouti Code of Conduct/ Jeddah Amendment BIMSTEC: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation