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A conference was organised by Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) on February 22 & 23, 2018, at Tokyo, to conclude a two years project that explored the possibilities for major democracies - namely Australia, India, Japan and the United States - to cooperate for maintenance of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean. The countries were represented by representatives from think tanks of Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), India, SPF, Japan, Australian National University (ANU) and SPF, USA. Representatives of VIF were Amb Kawal Sibal, Dr Vijay Sakhuja and Cmde Somen Banerjee.

Four papers were presented during the conference. Rear Adm Michael McDevitt of US presented a paper on Chinese Capabilities in the Indian Ocean. Dr David Brewster of ANU made a presentation on Understanding China’s Naval Strategy in the Indian Ocean. Dr Takuya Shimodaria of SPF Japan’s presentation pertained to Enhancing Maritime Connectivity in the Indo-pacific Region. Dr Vijay Sakhuja was coopted by VIF to present a paper titled Cooperation Framework in the Indian Ocean for Regional Powers to meet the Challenges.

After two days of deliberations, including an open session, the Conference arrived at various recommendations for policy formulation purposes.