Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)

Recently, the IORA Council of Ministers (COM) meeting was held in Colombo with “Reinforcing Indian Ocean Identity” as the central theme.
The primary purpose of the COM meeting was to discuss and reinforce the collective identity and cooperation among Indian Ocean rim countries.

About

IORA is a regional organization consisting of 23 member countries from Africa, West Asia, South Asia, South East Asia, Australia, and littoral states around the Indian Ocean.
The apex body of IORA is the Council of Foreign Ministers, which meets annually, with the leadership rotating among member countries every two years.
India holds the position of Vice-Chair, emphasizing its prominent role within the South Asian region.
IORA was formed in 1997, initially known as the Indian Ocean Region-Association for Regional Cooperation, with its conceptualization attributed to former South African President Nelson Mandela.

Significance of Indian Ocean Region

The Indian Ocean region is home to one-third of the world’s population (2.6 billion people).
It plays a critical role in global trade, with 80% of global oil trade, 50% of containerized cargo, and 33% of bulk cargo passing through it.
The region generates approximately $1 trillion in goods and services, with intra-IORA trade valued at around $800 billion.
It is strategically vital, given its economic importance and geographical location.

IORA as a “safe space” for India

IORA offers a platform for India and other regional countries to engage in cooperation without the challenges posed by big-power rivalries.
Membership is based on consensus, and the grouping has excluded contentious issues that affect other regional organizations.
Pakistan has not been admitted to IORA due to its failure to extend Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to India.
IORA provides a more stable and cooperative environment compared to some other regional forums.

Focus Areas

IORA’s charter outlines the following as priority areas: maritime safety and security, trade and investment facilitation, fisheries management, disaster risk management, academic, science, and technology, tourism and cultural exchanges, blue economy and gender empowerment.
The organization operates a special fund for project grants to members and places a particular emphasis on addressing climate change.
It also addresses strategic issues such as maintaining open sea lanes and countering piracy.

India’s Stance at IORA

Indian External Affairs Minister stressed the importance of maintaining the Indian Ocean as a “free, open, and inclusive space” that upholds sovereignty and territorial integrity, based on international laws such as the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas.

AMIGOS IAS