Strategic planning, counter-terrorism operations, and maritime security domains will be discussed between the nations
India is poised to make a significant contribution to discussions on regional security and defense cooperation as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC), Lt Gen JP Mathew, represents the nation at the Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence (IP-CHOD) conference in Hawaii. Being held from September 18-20, 2024, this high-profile gathering has brought together senior military leaders from the Indo-Pacific region, focusing on shared security challenges and fostering enhanced military cooperation. 
 
The IP-CHOD conference is recognized as a premier defense forum that addresses some of the most pressing security issues in the Indo-Pacific region. The in-person conference, held annually, complements the quarterly virtual meetings hosted by the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), which serves as a platform for military leaders to engage in open dialogue and exchange insights on regional security dynamics. 
 
This year, 28 countries or multinational organizations are attending the conference, which has been held since 1998 with the purpose of bringing together senior military leaders from across the Indo-Pacific to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation, the US Indo-Pacific Command stated.
 
The agenda for this year’s conference, titled “The Future Indo-Pacific: Building a Resilient and Interconnected Region,” revolves around key themes such as regional security, counterterrorism, maritime domain awareness, and military-to-military cooperation. Given the diverse and often complex security landscape of the Indo-Pacific, these discussions are expected to cover a wide range of challenges, from managing territorial disputes to addressing the threat of terrorism and piracy in the maritime domain.
 
Regional Security: The Indo-Pacific region is a vast expanse that includes some of the world's most strategically significant sea routes, making it a focal point for global trade and military activities. With rising geopolitical tensions and territorial disputes in the South China Sea, regional security remains a priority for all nations involved. Lt Gen JP Mathew’s participation underscores India's stance on maintaining peace, stability, and adherence to international maritime laws in the region. India’s active role in ensuring free and open sea lanes aligns with its broader strategic objectives, which include maintaining regional equilibrium and securing its maritime interests.
 
Counter-Terrorism: The scourge of terrorism continues to pose a significant threat to regional stability, with various non-state actors and extremist groups operating across the Indo-Pacific. The conference provides an opportunity for participating nations to discuss collaborative efforts to combat terrorism, share intelligence, and improve counter-terrorism strategies. India, having faced its own challenges with terrorism is well-positioned to offer valuable insights into counter-terrorism operations and regional cooperation.
 
Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): One of the core topics at the conference is maritime domain awareness—a crucial aspect of national security for countries that rely heavily on maritime trade and have vast coastlines to protect. Enhancing MDA involves sharing real-time information on maritime traffic, ensuring better coordination between naval forces, and improving surveillance of critical waterways. For India, with its strategic location and extensive coastline, MDA is a vital tool for safeguarding its interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The discussions at IP-CHOD emphasize the need for collective efforts in monitoring and securing these crucial maritime zones.
 
Commitment to Joint Training and Exercises: The conference is also focusing on fostering greater cooperation in joint military exercises and training programs. Joint exercises serve as a means of building interoperability between different militaries, enhancing the ability to work together effectively during real-world operations. India has a long history of participating in joint exercises with other nations in the Indo-Pacific, including the Malabar Exercise, which it regularly conducts with the United States, Japan, and Australia. These exercises are critical for improving tactical skills, communication, and coordination among allied forces, ensuring a seamless response in times of crisis.
 
India’s participation in the IP-CHOD conference is an important signal of its commitment to playing an active role in ensuring peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. As a country with a long-standing policy of non-alignment, India’s defense posture is built around the principles of maintaining strategic autonomy while engaging in meaningful partnerships. Over the years, India has strengthened its defense ties with key players in the region, including the United States, Japan, Australia, and ASEAN nations. These partnerships, combined with India's own military modernization efforts, position the country as a formidable presence in the Indo-Pacific.
At the heart of India's strategy is its commitment to upholding international law and ensuring the free movement of trade across the seas. At the heart of India's strategy is its commitment to upholding international law and ensuring the free movement of trade across the seas. 
 
Lt Gen JP Mathew’s attendance at the IP-CHOD conference also highlights the growing defense cooperation between India and the United States. The two countries share a robust defense relationship, driven by shared strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific. The United States Indo-Pacific Command, which hosts the conference, plays a pivotal role in maintaining regional security and fostering military cooperation between the US and its allies. India’s participation in this event reflects the strengthening defense ties between the two nations, which have evolved significantly in recent years, with increased joint military exercises, defense technology transfers, and intelligence sharing.