The fifth edition of Goa Maritime Symposium (GMS) 2024 was hosted by the Indian Navy from 23-24 September 24 under the aegis of Naval War College, Goa. This edition of the Goa Maritime Symposium was conducted in the newly inaugurated, state-of-the-art Chola building of the Naval War College. 

This year’s GMS edition theme was ‘Common Maritime Security Challenges in the IOR – Progressing Lines of Effort to Mitigate Dynamic Threats such as IUU Fishing and Other Illegal Maritime Activities’. The theme was underpinned by the idea of ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ (SAGAR), as enunciated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, to ensure prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Delegations from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Kenya and Tanzania participated in this edition of the Symposium.

Goa Maritime Symposium 24 brought together regional stakeholders to discuss strategies for addressing non-traditional threats in the maritime domain in the IOR. The GMS participants comprised officers of Captain/ Commander equivalent rank from the Navies/ Maritime Security Agencies of Friendly Foreign Countries. The Symposium featured discussions on collaborative information-sharing mechanisms, various measures to strengthen regional cooperation, and mitigating emerging non-traditional threats. Deliberations during Goa Maritime Symposium will act as a feeder for the Goa Maritime Conclave scheduled in 2025.