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  • Oct 12, 2023
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Indian ocean Rim Association

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  • GS Paper 2 International Relations.
  • Tags: #IndianOcean #IORA #IndianOceanDialogue #EAM #India #SriLanka.

What is the Indian Ocean Rim Association?

The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is an intergovernmental organization established on March 7, 1997. It brings together countries from the Indian Ocean region to promote cooperation and development in various areas, including trade, investment, maritime safety, fisheries, tourism, academic and scientific collaboration, and cultural exchanges.

This organization has undergone various name changes in the past, initially known as the Indian Ocean Rim Initiative (IORI) and later as the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC).

  • The operational hub of IORA, known as the Coordinating Secretariat, is situated in Ebene, Mauritius. This central location serves as the administrative center for the organization’s activities.

Membership

IORA is the largest and most prominent organization in the Indian Ocean Region. The IORA is made up of 23 states and engaging with 11 dialogue partners that are situated along the Indian Ocean. The following sovereign states are members in the IORA:

  • Members: Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
  • Dialogue partners: China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Russia, Türkiye, United Kingdom and United States of America.
  • Membership is open to Indian Ocean Rim sovereign states that align with IORA’s principles and objectives.

Administrative setup for IORA

The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) operates on a consensus-based, non-intrusive approach, seeking to foster economic cooperation among Member States, encompassing government, business, and academia.

  • Fundamental principles include respect for sovereign equality, territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and peaceful co-existence.
  • Decision-making relies on consensus, excluding deliberations on controversial bilateral issues. IORA works in harmony with existing trade cooperation arrangements, complementing rather than substituting them.
  • A member-driven approach guides the Association’s objectives.

Principles of good governance are promoted for effective program implementation.

1. Council of Foreign Ministers (COM): The COM is the apex body of IORA and meets annually to review the Association’s progress and provide guidance for its future work.

  • The COM elects the Association’s Chair for a two-year term, either on a voluntary basis or, if necessary, considering geographical representation.
  • Sri Lanka is set to assume the Chairmanship of IORA for the two-year period spanning 2023 to 2025, marking a significant leadership role within the organization.
  • India is slated to take on the Vice-Chair role for the same period, from 2023 to 2025, positioning it for the Chairmanship role in the subsequent term from 2025 to 2027.

2. Committee of Senior Officials (CSO): The CSO meets twice a year i.e. biannually  to progress IORA’s agenda and consider recommendations by Working Groups and forums of officials, business and academics to implement policies and projects to improve the lives of people within the Indian Ocean Member States.

3. Secretariat: The Secretariat is the permanent executive body of IORA and is responsible for the day-to-day coordination and implementation of IORA’s activities. It is headed by a Secretary-General, who is appointed by the COM for a term of three years.

Goal of IORA

IORA’s goal is to enhance regional integration and strengthen ties among its member states, fostering mutual economic and social progress in the Indian Ocean region.

IORA serves as a regional forum with a threefold focus, uniting representatives from Government, Business, and Academia.

  • Its primary aim is to foster cooperation and facilitate closer interactions among these sectors.
  • The organization is firmly rooted in the principles of strengthening economic collaboration, particularly in the realms of trade facilitation and investment promotion.
  • Additionally, it places significant emphasis on advancing social development within the region.

Objectives of IORA

  • Promoting Economic Cooperation: IORA aims to enhance economic and trade cooperation among member countries. This includes fostering economic growth, trade facilitation, investment promotion, and the development of sustainable business opportunities in the Indian Ocean region.
  • Enhancing Maritime Safety and Security: IORA seeks to improve maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean. This involves cooperation in areas such as combating piracy, ensuring freedom of navigation, and enhancing search and rescue capabilities.
  • Promoting Sustainable Development: IORA focuses on sustainable development in the region, covering aspects like environmental conservation, disaster risk reduction, and the sustainable management of ocean resources, including fisheries.
  • Strengthening Academic, Science, and Technology Cooperation: IORA encourages collaboration in education, research, science, and technology to promote knowledge-sharing and innovation in the Indian Ocean region.
  • Cultural and People-to-People Exchange: IORA facilitates cultural and people-to-people exchanges to enhance understanding and cooperation among member states, fostering a sense of shared identity and heritage.
  • Tourism Promotion: IORA seeks to promote tourism in the Indian Ocean region by developing and marketing the region’s tourism potential and attractions.
  • Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment: IORA works toward gender equality and the empowerment of women, recognizing the importance of women’s participation in socio-economic development.
  • Agriculture and Fisheries: Collaboration in agriculture and fisheries is promoted to support food security and sustainable agriculture practices in the region.
  • Transport and Connectivity: IORA encourages improved connectivity and transportation infrastructure to facilitate trade and economic activities.
  • Energy Security: The organization addresses issues related to energy security and the development of sustainable and renewable energy sources in the Indian Ocean region.

Six Priority Areas of IORA

  1. Maritime Security: IORA places a significant focus on enhancing maritime security within the Indian Ocean region. This encompasses measures to ensure safe navigation, counter piracy, and combat other security threats in the maritime domain, which is crucial for the region’s economic and strategic interests.
  2. Trade and Investment Facilitation: IORA is committed to promoting trade and investment facilitation. This involves streamlining trade procedures, reducing barriers to investment, and creating an environment conducive to economic growth and cooperation among member states.
  3. Fisheries Management: Effective management of fisheries is a priority for IORA. The organization works towards sustainable fishing practices, protecting fish stocks, and cooperation among member states for responsible fisheries management.
  4. Disaster Risk Reduction: Disaster risk reduction is another critical area for IORA. The organization focuses on strategies and cooperation to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and enhance resilience in the face of these challenges.
  5. Academic and Scientific Cooperation: IORA seeks to foster academic and scientific cooperation among member states. This involves knowledge sharing, research collaboration, and the exchange of expertise to address common challenges in the region.
  6. Tourism Promotion and Cultural Exchanges: Promoting tourism and cultural exchanges is an essential aspect of IORA’s agenda. The organization aims to showcase the cultural diversity and natural attractions of member states, fostering people-to-people connections and economic opportunities through tourism.

Flagship Projects

  1. Special Fund for Flagship Projects: In 2004, a Special Fund was established to support specific projects aligned with IORA’s priority areas, allowing for a more focused approach to member state contributions.
  2. Fisheries Support Unit (FSU): Launched as the first Special Fund-supported project in late 2011, the FSU is headquartered in Muscat, Oman, situated at the National Centre for Marine Sciences and Fisheries.
  • The FSU’s objectives include fostering cooperation among member states regarding fisheries and conducting research to manage and protect fish stocks. Importantly, it is a dialogue-based unit without decision-making or advisory authority.
  1. Regional Center for Science and Technology Transfer (RCSTT): Established in October 2008 and based in Tehran, Iran, the IORA RCSTT addresses a wide range of issues, from disaster response to creating a gene banking database for medicinal plants.
  2. Indian Ocean Dialogue (IOD): Originating from the 13th Council of Ministries meeting in 2013, the IOD functions as a standalone Track 1.5 discussion platform.
  • It brings together scholars and policymakers from member states to engage in discussions on topics relevant to the Indian Ocean Region and IORA member states.
  • 9th IOD on “Innovation in Blue Economy and its Role in GDP Contribution” held at Zanzibar in Tanzania.
  1. IORA Sustainable Development Program (ISDP)
  • Introduced in 2014, the ISDP is dedicated to the least developed countries within IORA, with a focus on sharing best practices in the Blue Economy.
  • The ISDP aims to bridge the gap between economically affluent and less affluent member states by facilitating information sharing and peer-to-peer learning, similar to other IORA projects.

 

Significance of Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean’s significance lies in its role as a global trade lifeline, its vast and diverse population, and the unique blend of cultures and economies within its rim. The member states of IORA, though distinct, find common ground in their shared connection to this dynamic and strategic body of water.

Geopolitical Significance

  • The Indian Ocean is the third largest ocean in the world, renowned for its pivotal role in global trade and transportation.
  • It serves as a vital conduit for trade routes, overseeing the movement of approximately 50% of the world’s container ships, one-third of bulk cargo traffic, and two-thirds of global oil shipments.

Demographic Diversity

  • The region surrounding the Indian Ocean is home to nearly 2.7 billion people, representing a significant portion of the world’s population.
  • Member States bordering the Indian Ocean exhibit a rich tapestry of cultural diversity, encompassing a multitude of languages, religions, traditions, arts, and cuisines.

Variation in Area, Population, and Economic Development

  • Member States in the Indian Ocean region exhibit considerable diversity in terms of their geographical areas, population sizes, and levels of economic development.
  • These disparities highlight the complex mix of countries within IORA, each with its unique set of challenges and opportunities.

Sub-Regional Distinctions

  • The Indian Ocean region can be subdivided into several sub-regions, each with its distinctive characteristics and regional groupings.
  • These sub-regions include Australasia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, West Asia, and Eastern & Southern Africa, with each having its specific regional organizations and alliances such as ASEAN, SAARC, GCC, and SADC, among others.

Shared Connection through the Indian Ocean

  • Despite the diversity, differences, and the existence of various sub-regions, all member countries of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) are unified by their geographical connection to the Indian Ocean.
  • The Indian Ocean serves as a unifying force, fostering cooperation and collaboration among these countries, as they recognize its strategic importance in their economic and geopolitical interests.

 

Source: UN, IOR, TOI, The Hindu

Mains Question

Analyze the significance of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in fostering regional cooperation, economic development, and maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. Give examples.