INDO-PACIFIC ARMIES CHIEFS CONFERENCE (IPACC)
- The Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC) is a multilateral forum that brings together the Chiefs of Armies from various countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
- It serves as a platform for military leaders to discuss common security challenges, promote cooperation, and build relationships among the participating nations.
- IPACC is not a permanent organization but rather a periodic conference held with the aim of enhancing regional security and stability.
- The 13th IPACC was held in New Delhi, India, from September 25 to 27, 2023. It was co-hosted by the Indian Army and the United States Army Pacific. The theme of the conference was "Together for Peace: Sustaining Peace and Stability in the Indo-Pacific Region."
- The conference was attended by army chiefs and delegates from 35 countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Fiji, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, and Vietnam
Key points about the Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC) include:
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Participants: IPACC typically includes the participation of senior military officials, often the Chiefs of Army Staff or equivalent, from countries in the Indo-Pacific region. The list of participating nations may vary from one conference to another, but it generally includes major regional players.
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Focus on Security and Cooperation: IPACC focuses on discussing security issues relevant to the Indo-Pacific region. These discussions encompass a wide range of topics, including regional security challenges, counterterrorism, disaster relief, peacekeeping operations, and military-to-military cooperation.
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Promotion of Dialogue: The conference provides an opportunity for military leaders to engage in open and constructive dialogue. It allows participants to share their perspectives, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration on security matters.
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Informal Setting: IPACC is usually conducted in an informal setting, which promotes candid discussions and the building of personal relationships among military leaders. This informal approach is believed to enhance trust and cooperation among participating nations.
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Bilateral and Multilateral Interactions: While IPACC primarily focuses on multilateral discussions, it also provides a platform for bilateral meetings and discussions on the sidelines of the conference. This allows participating nations to address specific bilateral concerns and interests.
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Strategic Significance: Given the growing importance of the Indo-Pacific region in global geopolitics and security dynamics, IPACC plays a role in shaping regional security policies and strategies.
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Role in Confidence Building: The conference can contribute to confidence-building measures among nations in the region by fostering mutual understanding and cooperation, which can help reduce tensions and promote stability
