Indian Council of World Affairs

Director General ICWA, Amb Vijay Thakur Singh, 

Distinguished Panelists,

Ladies and Gentlemen 

Namaskar Good afternoon. 

We are gathered here today on the occasion of IORA Day, which commemorates the establishment of the Indian Ocean Rim Association or the IORA in 1997. It is an important day for India as a Founding Member of the IORA and also for the other 22 Member States and 12 Dialogue Partners who are part of the IORA community. 

I thank the Indian Council of World Affairs and, in particular, Director General Ambassador Vijay Thakur Singh for organising this discussion on a matter of much relevance not only to India but to the Indian Ocean Region on the occasion of IORA Day. As many of you may know, ICWA holds a special position in being our knowledge partner for IORA-related matters. 

In these 27 years that IORA has been in existence, India has been constructively and deeply engaged with IORA to pursue the primary objective of strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development, emerging as a leading player in the Indian Ocean community. 

Under India’s Chairship of the Association during the term 2011­2013, the area of work of the IORA was streamlined and imparted new focus. Six priority areas were identified to channelise the energy and the efforts within the IORA. These six priority areas are:

1.  Maritime safety and security; 

2.  Trade and investment facilitation;

3.  Fisheries management;

4.  Disaster risk management;

5.  Academic, science and technology cooperation; and

6.  Tourism and cultural exchange.

Subsequently, two more cross cutting areas were added during Australia’s term - blue economy and women’s economic empowerment.

We assumed the responsibility of the Vice-Chair in October last year for 2 years that will be followed by our Chairship in 2025-27. As Vice-Chair and future Chair, India’s priorities have been clearly outlined by Hon’ble External Affairs Minister during the last Council of Ministers’ Meeting held in October 2023, and I quote, “to develop an Indian Ocean community that is stable and prosperous, strong and resilient, and which is able to cooperate closely within and to respond to happenings beyond the ocean”. 

The priorities of India, as articulated by EAM resonate with the theme today. There is no doubt that the prosperity and wellbeing of the Indian Ocean Region is closely interlinked with the security, more importantly, the maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region. 

Today, I would like to share my thoughts on how we can collectively move towards a cooperative, sustainable, prosperous, and peaceful Indian Ocean Region. 

First is appreciating the significance of the Indian Ocean which holds a central position in the resurgence of Asia and global rebalancing. It plays a crucial role in the development and prosperity of the region by supporting trade and sustaining livelihoods. The nations in the Region are intertwined by shared interests and common challenges. The need for a cooperative, sustainable, prosperous, and peaceful region is not just an aspiration, it is a necessity for our collective well-being. 

Second is by recognising that cooperation is crucial for regional security. IORA, since its inception, has aimed at regional cooperation. Addressing maritime security challenges in the region, such as piracy, IUU fishing, and maritime terrorism require joint efforts, shared intelligence, and coordinated patrols. Towards this direction, based on the approach of Security And Growth for All, as promulgated by our Prime Minister, India has contributed to build capacity towards strengthening safety and security. India has emerged as the first responder and a net security provider in the region. 

Third, a Sustainable approach is crucial. Sustainable development is not a choice; it is an obligation to the ocean that provides us with resources, connectivity and livelihoods. The Blue Economy, with its tremendous potential to boost economic growth, must be harnessed responsibly. 

Fourth is our emphasis on promoting Connectivity. Connectivity is an enabler and a force multiplier for regional economic growth and prosperity. By fostering economic partnerships, investing in maritime infrastructure, and streamlining trade, we can unlock the full potential of the Indian Ocean Region. 

The fifth crucial element is that of peaceful resolution of disputes and dialogue. In a complex geopolitical landscape that the world is today, the Indian Ocean Region must serve as an example of peaceful coexistence. A multilateral rules-based international order with respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity remains the bedrock for a strong Indian Ocean community. It is imperative to maintain the Indian Ocean as a free, open and inclusive space, based on the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS), the Constitution of the Seas. 

The sixth element that is extremely crucial for lasting peace is People-to-People Ties. There is no doubt that cultural and educational exchanges and greater contacts between peoples through trade and commerce in the Indian Ocean Region would lead to greater understanding and goodwill which can break down barriers, build bridges, and foster a sense of community. 

In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that securing the Indian Ocean Region requires a collective approach and, in this endeavour, IORA has the responsibility and the potential to bring countries together to work together to achieve our shared vision for the Indian Ocean Region to become a space marked by cooperation, sustainable development, peace and prosperity. 

I once again thank ICWA and Ambassador Vijay Thakur Singh Ma’am for organising this commemorative event marking the IORA Day, and also thank the eminent panelists for their participation. I would urge more and more scholars and experts to work on the Indian Ocean Region and the IORA so that there is awareness and discussion about the significance of this Region and the opportunities and the challenges that exist in the Region. It would also be useful to have more articles, discussions and policy recommendations with regard to IORA and the Indian Ocean Region as we look forward to assuming the IORA Chairship next year.

Thank you. I look forward to a productive panel discussion.

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