In News:

Charting a route for IORA under India’s chairship

What is IORA?

The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is a regional inter-governmental organization established on 7 March 1997 to promote economic cooperation, regional integration, and sustainable development among countries bordering the Indian Ocean. The idea was initiated during Nelson Mandela’s visit to India in 1995, leading to the Indian Ocean Rim Initiative (IORI).

• Membership: 23 Member States and 10 Dialogue Partners
• Geographical Reach: Connects Asia, Africa, and Oceania via the Indian Ocean
• Secretariat: Based in Mauritius

Importance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)

• Geopolitical Relevance: Subset of the Indo-Pacific but with unique characteristics
• Demographics: Home to two-thirds of the global population
• Economic Significance:
  • Handles 75% of global trade volume
  • Accounts for 50% of global daily oil consumption
  • Generates USD 1 trillion worth of goods/services annually
  • Intra-IORA trade: USD 800 billion (2023)

India’s Chairship of IORA (2025–27)

India is set to take over as Chair of IORA in November 2025 (currently Vice-Chair). It aims to enhance the organization’s governance and effectiveness by focusing on:

• Strengthening IORA’s Budget:
  • Promote public-private partnerships
  • Encourage investments from key maritime industries (shipping, oil & gas, marine tourism)
  • Learn from other models like the Indian Ocean Commission ($1.3 billion budget for 2020–25)
• Technology Integration:
  • Adopt digital tools for data governance
  • Enable faster policy analysis and decision-making
  • Reduce inefficiencies in record-keeping
• Maritime Education and Capacity Building:
  • Collaborate with academic and research institutions
  • Launch maritime-ready and interdisciplinary courses (e.g., marine accounting)
  • Develop a skilled workforce to support the blue economy

Strategic Synergy with India’s SAGAR Vision

India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision aligns with IORA’s objectives:

• Enhancing maritime safety and security
• Fostering economic growth and sustainable development
• Promoting regional peace and cooperation

India is expected to leverage its diplomatic ties with member states and encourage collaborative problem-solving across the region.