The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is a unique regional organization comprising 23 countries bordering the Indian Ocean, including India. Established in 1997, the IORA focuses on enhancing cooperation in various fields, such as trade, investment, maritime security, sustainable development, and cultural exchange. India plays a central role in IORA, not only due to its geographical positioning but also because of its strategic interests in the region. The Indian Ocean is vital to global trade, and India, with its growing economic and geopolitical influence, has a leadership role in shaping IORA's agenda.
India has consistently provided leadership in the IORA, fostering cooperation among the member states on economic integration and trade enhancement. The country has emphasized the need for regional connectivity, recognizing the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean for global commerce.
India has been instrumental in promoting regional economic cooperation among IORA member states. It supports initiatives for trade liberalization, the creation of free trade zones, and improvements in maritime infrastructure to boost regional trade.
Given its strategic position in the Indian Ocean, India has a significant stake in the region’s maritime security. It has consistently advocated for cooperative maritime security initiatives within IORA to ensure the safe passage of goods, the protection of sea lanes, and the prevention of illegal activities like piracy and human trafficking.
India strongly supports IORA’s initiatives aimed at promoting the sustainable use of marine resources and addressing the challenges posed by climate change, pollution, and overfishing. This commitment is critical in ensuring the environmental health of the Indian Ocean.
India has also been a strong advocate for cultural exchanges and the strengthening of people-to-people ties among IORA member states. Through cultural diplomacy, educational exchanges, and tourism, India fosters deeper connections across the Indian Ocean region.
India’s growing geopolitical influence in the Indian Ocean region is essential for ensuring stability and peace. It views the Indian Ocean as a critical component of its foreign policy and strategic security interests.
India envisions IORA as a dynamic platform for regional collaboration that addresses contemporary challenges such as maritime security, economic integration, climate change, and disaster management.
During India’s tenure as the Chair of IORA (2019-2021), the country hosted the IORA Council of Ministers Meeting in 2020, where India proposed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) among IORA member states. This agreement aimed to facilitate easier trade and investment flows, especially in the context of growing global connectivity and regional economic integration. India also spearheaded discussions on maritime security, including the adoption of a framework for counter-piracy cooperation in the Indian Ocean.
India’s role in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is pivotal in driving regional cooperation on critical issues such as economic integration, maritime security, sustainable development, and cultural exchange. As one of the largest and most influential countries in the region, India leverages its leadership position to shape the organization’s agenda and contribute to the stability and prosperity of the Indian Ocean region. Through its active participation, India strengthens its diplomatic, economic, and security ties with other member states, while advancing the broader vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated Indian Ocean region.
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