Indian Ocean Rim Association’s (IORA) Council of Foreign Ministers (COM) meeting held in Colombo (Sri Lanka)
The 23rd Council of Ministers (COM) Meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is going to be held in Colombo on 11 October 2023, which will be hosted by the Government of Sri Lanka, the incoming IORA Chair. The COM will be held under the theme “Strengthening Regional Architecture: Reinforcing Indian Ocean Identity”.
Key highlights
- ‘Strengthening Regional Architecture: Reinforcing Indian Ocean Identity’ was theme of meeting.
- ‘Colombo Communique and ‘IORA Vision 2030 and Beyond’ was adopted.
- Saudi Arabia was formally welcomed as 11th Dialogue Partner.
- IORA Chairship was transferred from Bangladesh to Sri Lanka for 2023-2025.
♦ India will take chairship during 2025-2027.
About IORA
- It is an Inter-governmental organisation established in 1997, based on vision of Nelson Mandela.
- It aims to strengthen regional cooperation and sustainable development within Indian Ocean region (IOR).
- It has 23 members (witin IOR). CoM which meets annually is apex body.
- 6 Priority areas with 2 cross cutting issues including maritime safety and security; fisheries management; disaster risk management; etc.
- ‘Special fund’ supports projects and programs. ‘IORA’s outlook on Indo pacific’ calls for adherence 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and other relevant UN treaties.
- Comprises
♦ 1/3rd of world’s population
♦ 80% of global oil trade
♦ Produces ~$1 trillion in goods and services.
♦ Intra-IORA trade is around $800 billion.
Importance for India:
♦ Avenue to keep out big-power rivalries including China from IOR.
♦ Less contentious space for regional cooperation for India since Pakistan is not a member.