India assumes the Vice Chair in Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) for 2023-2025

The Forecast 2 years ago World News

The 23rd Council of Ministers of IORA met in Colombo today as Sri Lanka assumed the chairmanship from Bangladesh. The Council of Ministers is the highest decision-making body of IORA. India has assumed the Vice Chair in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) for the next two years.

The External Affairs Minister Dr, Subramanyam Jaishankar addressed the 23rd Council of Ministers and emphasized India’s priority of creating an Indian Ocean community that is strong and resilient. He said that India’s commitment to the well-being of the countries of the Indian Ocean Region and as a net security provider and first responder is based on the Neighbourhood First policy and SAGAR outlook. The IORA, an intergovernmental organization established in 1997, comprises 23 member states and 11 dialogue partners hailing from regions surrounding the Indian Ocean.

Addressing the media, Dr. Jaishankar said that for the member states of the IORA to prosper, developmental challenges must be continuously and effectively addressed. He called for cooperation on various aspects of the Maritime economy, resources, connectivity, and security. Dr. Jaishankar emphasized that clarity is needed in case of dangers like hidden agendas, non-viable projects, or unsustainable debt. He added that sharing of best practices, greater awareness, and deeper collaboration are part of the solution and India’s message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam can act as a binding force for the IORA’s member states.

Dr. Jaishankar said that India would endeavour to give practical shape to the IORA Outlook for Indo-Pacific (OIP). With India’s initiative, the IORA OIP was adopted in 22nd Council of Ministers held in Dhaka last year. The External Affairs Minister is on a three-day visit to Sri Lanka. He is scheduled to call on the President Ranil Wickremasinghe.