On June 12, 2025, OSM THOME’s security team initiated and convened a virtual meeting between OSM THOME and IFC-IOR from our modern operations hub in Mumbai.
IFC-IOR officers from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and International Liaison Officers (ILOs) from 14 countries collaborated with OSM Thome’s security team, led by Capt. Tarun Puri, our Group Security Director, and Capt. Arun Mehta, our Managing Director for India. They spent over an hour discussing various operational aspects and concluded with both parties agreeing to further engagement and identifying areas for collaboration, operational synergy, and capacity building.
The meeting underscored the shared commitment of both OSMTHOME and IFC-IOR to enhance maritime security, promote transparency, and respond effectively to emerging challenges in the Indian Ocean Region. The discussion marked a positive step toward a meaningful partnership built on mutual respect, humanitarian principles, and strategic cooperation
Capt Arun Mehta (Managing Director, OSM THOME India) flagged off the meeting, followed by a presentation from Capt Tarun Puri (Group Security Director). The meeting was attended by security teams based in Mumbai, India, and Singapore: Mr. Satyam Salvi, Mr. Mohit Thakur, Mr. Syed Yusuf Raza, Ms. Purvee Chowghule, Mr. Shataneek Bhattacharya, Mr. Kaustubh Pawar, and Mr. Harry Wee.
The discussion focused on ways to enhance participation between the two entities for information sharing, maritime domain awareness (MDA), humanitarian support, and strategic engagement, aiming to promote regional stability and enhance maritime security and domain within the Indian Ocean Region.
OSM shared its interest in ongoing involvement in maritime-relevant missions, particularly in areas of:
- Information Sharing: Exploring avenues for real-time incident sharing and joint access to maritime safety data.
- Joint Training & Capacity Building: Possibilities of participating in IFC-IOR workshops, table-top exercises, or regional maritime forums.
- Liaison Mechanism: Expressing interest in nominating a liaison representative from both sides to engage effectively on maritime security matters.
- Humanitarian Maritime Response: Explore opportunities to support IFC IOR with non-combatant evacuation, medical relief missions, or civil maritime incident coordination and response
Capt. Sachin Kumar Singh (Head of IFC-IOR (Gurugram) chaired the IFC-IOR Operations overview with his team. He briefed the OSMTHOME delegation on its mission to promote maritime safety and security through regional collaboration and the fusion of real-time information. The Centre emphasized its role in facilitating multi-national cooperation through platforms such as IORIS (Indian Ocean Region Information Sharing) and voluntary reporting initiatives.
