INDIAN OCEAN RIM ASSOCIATION (IORA)
- The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is an international organization consisting of countries that have coastlines along the Indian Ocean. Its primary aim is to promote regional cooperation and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean region. The organization was established in 1997 and is headquartered in Ebene, Mauritius.
- The Indian Ocean Rim Association includes 23 countries from Africa, West Asia, South Asia, South East Asia, Australia and littoral states situated in and around the Indian Ocean.
- The grouping, whose apex body is the Council of Foreign Ministers that meet once a year, moves by rotation through members every two years
- Sri Lanka took charge as Chair this year from Bangladesh, and India is Vice-Chair, meaning that the troika of IORA is within the South Asian region
- IORA’s membership includes 23 countries: Australia, Bangladesh, the Comoros, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, the Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, the UAE and Yemen. It also has 11 dialogue partners: China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Türkiye, the U.K. and the U.S.
- While the IORA was formed in 1997 (then called the Indian Ocean Region-Association for Regional Cooperation) in Mauritius, its genesis came from a speech Nelson Mandela gave in Delhi in 1995
India’s other regional organisations, like SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), face their own challenges. While the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), has made progress, it remains U.S.-led, along with military allies Australia and Japan.
Meanwhile, China is actively trying to rope in India’s neighbours with groupings like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation, China-South Asian Countries Poverty Alleviation and Cooperative Development Centre, which exclude India
IORA, however, remains a “safe space” for India and other countries of the region that wish to keep out the constant challenge of big-power rivalries
ORA membership is based on consensus, and Pakistan has not been admitted to the grouping since it first applied in 2001, on the basis that it has not extended MFN (most favoured nation) status to India, making the IORA a less contentious space for India as well, compared to groupings like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) holds significant importance for the countries in the Indian Ocean region and the global community for several reasons:
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Economic Significance:
- The Indian Ocean is home to some of the world's most important shipping lanes, making it a critical hub for global trade. Many of the world's busiest and most strategically significant maritime trade routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Malacca, are situated in this region.
- IORA fosters economic cooperation and trade among member countries, aiming to boost economic growth, investment, and regional integration. This is vital for the prosperity of the region and its ability to engage in international trade.
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Strategic Significance:
- The Indian Ocean region holds strategic significance for global powers due to its geopolitical location. It connects the major economies of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
- Ensuring the safety and security of the Indian Ocean is crucial for global stability and trade. IORA plays a role in addressing issues related to maritime security, piracy, and regional stability.
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Resource Management:
- The Indian Ocean region is rich in marine resources, including fisheries and hydrocarbons. Cooperative management of these resources is vital to ensure their sustainability and to prevent conflicts over resource use.
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Climate Resilience:
- The region is prone to various climate-related challenges, including cyclones, tsunamis, and rising sea levels. IORA facilitates cooperation in disaster risk management and climate resilience efforts.
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Cultural Exchange:
- The diverse member countries of IORA represent a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. Promoting cultural exchange and understanding through IORA fosters people-to-people connections, which can contribute to global harmony.
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Previous Year Questions
1.With reference to 'Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)', consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2015)
1. It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills. 2. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 Only
B. 2 Only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer (D)
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