Recently, the 10th edition of the Indian Ocean Dialogue was organised by India’s Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Secretariat. The dialogue highlighted the growing importance of the Indian Ocean region in global trade, maritime security, and sustainable development.
About IORA
The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) was established in 1997 as an intergovernmental organisation of countries located along the Indian Ocean rim. Earlier known as the Indian Ocean Rim Initiative and later the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC), it aims to strengthen regional cooperation among member states.
The organisation currently has 23 member states and 12 dialogue partners spanning Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania. India is a founding member and plays a key role in promoting regional stability and economic cooperation.
Objectives of IORA
- Promote sustainable growth and balanced development.
- Enhance economic cooperation among member countries.
- Encourage freer flow of trade, services, and investment.
- Strengthen maritime safety and regional security.
- Promote cooperation in blue economy and disaster management.
Key Priority Areas
IORA focuses on six major priority areas:
- Trade and Investment
- Maritime Safety and Security
- Fisheries Management
- Disaster Risk Management
- Blue Economy
- Academic, Science and Technology Cooperation
Governance Structure
The apex decision-making body of IORA is the Council of Foreign Ministers (COM), which meets annually. The organisation’s Secretariat is located in Ebène, Mauritius, and is headed by a Secretary-General appointed for a three-year term.
Significance for India
For India, IORA is strategically important due to the Indian Ocean’s role in global trade and energy transportation. Through IORA, India promotes the vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), maritime cooperation, disaster resilience, and sustainable use of ocean resources. It also helps India strengthen ties with African, Southeast Asian, and Indo-Pacific countries amid growing geopolitical competition in the region.