IORA and India

1. Introduction

The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising 23 Indian Ocean littoral states, established in 1997 to promote cooperation in maritime security, trade and investment, the Blue Economy, disaster risk management, and sustainable development. As the Indian Ocean has emerged as a critical centre of global trade, energy flows and geopolitical competition, IORA and India have gained increasing importance as a platform for fostering peace, stability and economic cooperation across the region.

For India, IORA and India Relations are a key pillar of its maritime and Indo-Pacific strategy. It complements India’s initiatives such as SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) by strengthening maritime security, enhancing regional connectivity, promoting the Blue Economy and reinforcing India’s role as a leading maritime power in the Indian Ocean Region. India’s assumption of the IORA Chairship (2025–2027) has further enhanced its opportunity to shape the regional agenda and advance cooperative maritime governance.

2. Evolution of IORA

• 1997 – Establishment: The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) was established on 7 March 1997 (earlier known as the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation – IOR-ARC) with the objective of promoting economic cooperation and sustainable development among the littoral states of the Indian Ocean. IORA and India have been closely associated since the organisation’s establishment.
• Evolution of the Organisation: In 2013, the organisation was renamed Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) to reflect its broader agenda beyond economic cooperation, including maritime security, Blue Economy, disaster risk management, trade, connectivity and sustainable development.
• Member States: IORA currently comprises 23 Member States:
  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 (UAE) and Yemen.
• Dialogue Partners: IORA has 12 Dialogue Partners—China, Egypt, European Union (EU), Germany, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, United Kingdom and the United States—which contribute to regional cooperation through dialogue and partnership.
• India’s Chairship (2025–2027): India assumed the Chairship of IORA for the period 2025–2027, providing it with an important opportunity to shape the organisation’s agenda by promoting maritime security, the Blue Economy, regional connectivity, disaster resilience and a free, open and inclusive Indian Ocean Region. IORA Significance for India is therefore closely linked to India’s leadership role in the organisation.

3. Significance of IORA for India

Strengthening Maritime Security and India’s Indo-Pacific Vision

• The Indian Ocean is of immense strategic importance to India, as over 95% of India’s trade by volume and nearly 68% by value is transported through sea routes. IORA provides India with an important regional platform to safeguard these Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs), which are vital for the country’s trade, energy imports and overall economic security. IORA and India therefore have a direct connection with India’s maritime security interests.
• IORA complements India’s maritime vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) by promoting collective maritime security, regional cooperation, capacity building and sustainable development among Indian Ocean littoral states. It also supports the objectives of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) by encouraging collaboration in maritime ecology, disaster risk reduction, maritime resources, science and technology, and connectivity.
• The organisation promotes a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indian Ocean Region by emphasising freedom of navigation, freedom of overflight, respect for international law and peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982. These principles are crucial for protecting India’s maritime interests and ensuring regional stability.
• IORA strengthens cooperation in Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) through information sharing, capacity building and institutional collaboration, enabling member states to effectively monitor maritime activities and combat threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, maritime terrorism and smuggling. This directly contributes to enhancing India’s maritime security architecture.
• The Indian Ocean carries around 50% of the world’s container traffic, one-third of global bulk cargo and nearly two-thirds of global oil shipments, making it one of the world’s most important maritime regions. By strengthening IORA, India seeks to ensure that this strategic maritime space remains secure, stable and free from coercion, thereby reinforcing its role as a net security provider and a leading maritime power in the Indo-Pacific.

Promoting Trade, Connectivity and Energy Security

• The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is the lifeline of India’s external trade and energy supplies. As over 95% of India’s merchandise trade by volume is carried through maritime routes, IORA plays a crucial role in ensuring safe, efficient and uninterrupted maritime commerce, thereby supporting India’s long-term economic growth. IORA and India cooperation is therefore important for India’s trade and energy security.
• IORA promotes trade facilitation, investment cooperation and maritime connectivity among its 23 member states through improved port infrastructure, shipping links, logistics and customs cooperation. This enables India to strengthen economic integration with countries in Africa, the Gulf, Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean island nations, diversifying its export markets and supply chains.
• India’s energy security is closely linked to the Indian Ocean, as around 80–85% of India’s crude oil requirement is met through imports, much of which passes through strategic maritime chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb and the Mozambique Channel. Through IORA, India works with regional partners to ensure the security of these critical Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) and reduce disruptions to global energy supplies.
• IORA also supports cooperation in Blue Economy, port-led development, coastal infrastructure and maritime logistics, complementing India’s initiatives such as Sagarmala, PM Gati Shakti, and the Maritime India Vision 2030. These initiatives aim to improve port efficiency, reduce logistics costs and enhance India’s competitiveness in global trade.
• By strengthening economic connectivity and ensuring secure maritime transport across the Indian Ocean, IORA contributes to India’s objective of becoming a global manufacturing and logistics hub, while reinforcing its role as a key driver of regional economic integration in the Indo-Pacific.

Advancing the Blue Economy and Sustainable Development

• IORA has identified the Blue Economy as a cross-cutting priority, recognising the Indian Ocean as a vital source of food, energy, livelihoods and economic growth. For India, it provides a regional platform to promote the sustainable utilisation of ocean resources while ensuring environmental conservation. IORA Significance for India is therefore also linked to sustainable development and responsible use of marine resources.
• India collaborates with IORA member states in areas such as sustainable fisheries, marine biotechnology, offshore renewable energy, seabed resources, eco-tourism and coastal infrastructure, creating new opportunities for employment and inclusive economic development.
• As a country with a 7,500 km-long coastline and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of over 2 million sq. km, India has immense potential to harness marine resources. IORA supports India’s efforts to develop a sustainable Blue Economy while safeguarding marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems.
• The organisation also promotes cooperation in addressing marine pollution, climate change, ocean warming, coastal erosion and sea-level rise, which pose serious threats to the livelihoods and ecological security of Indian Ocean littoral states.
• By encouraging scientific research, technology transfer, capacity building and sustainable ocean governance, IORA supports India’s vision of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, in line with SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and its broader commitment to sustainable development.

Addressing Non-Traditional Security Challenges

• IORA provides an important platform for regional cooperation against non-traditional maritime security threats such as piracy, maritime terrorism, illegal fishing, human trafficking, drug trafficking, arms smuggling and marine pollution, which cannot be effectively tackled by any single country. IORA and India cooperation is important for addressing these transnational maritime challenges.
• India works closely with IORA member states to strengthen Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) through information sharing, capacity building, coordinated patrols and maritime law enforcement, thereby improving the security of the Indian Ocean Region.
• Given the Indian Ocean’s vulnerability to cyclones, tsunamis, floods and oil spills, IORA promotes cooperation in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), early warning systems, emergency response and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), enhancing regional resilience against natural disasters.
• IORA also encourages collaboration in search and rescue (SAR) operations, protection of critical maritime infrastructure and capacity building for coast guards and maritime agencies, contributing to safer and more secure seas.
• By addressing these transnational challenges through cooperative mechanisms, IORA strengthens India’s objective of ensuring a safe, secure and stable Indian Ocean Region, which is essential for sustaining regional peace, economic prosperity and uninterrupted maritime trade.

Enhancing India’s Regional Leadership and Strategic Influence

• As the current Chair of IORA (2025–2027), India has a unique opportunity to shape the organisation’s agenda and strengthen cooperation in maritime security, the Blue Economy, trade, connectivity, disaster resilience and sustainable development across the Indian Ocean Region. IORA and India therefore have growing strategic importance for India’s regional leadership.
• India’s leadership is guided by its vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), which emphasizes collective security, inclusive development, capacity building and respect for international law. Through IORA, India is translating this vision into practical regional cooperation.
• IORA enables India to deepen strategic partnerships with Africa, the Gulf, Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean island countries, thereby strengthening its diplomatic outreach and reinforcing its position as a leading maritime power in the Indo-Pacific.
• India actively supports capacity building, skill development, maritime training, scientific research and technology transfer among IORA member states. Such initiatives enhance regional trust and strengthen India’s image as a net security provider and a responsible development partner.
• IORA also provides India with an effective platform to promote a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indian Ocean Region, while balancing the growing strategic competition in the region through multilateral cooperation rather than confrontation. This reinforces India’s long-term objective of maintaining peace, stability and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific.

4. Challenges for India in IORA

China’s Expanding Strategic Presence in the Indian Ocean

• Although China is not a member of IORA and participates only as a Dialogue Partner, its expanding economic, strategic and military presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has emerged as one of India’s foremost maritime security concerns.
• Through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Maritime Silk Road, China has invested heavily in ports and infrastructure projects such as Gwadar (Pakistan), Hambantota (Sri Lanka), Kyaukpyu (Myanmar), Chittagong (Bangladesh) and Djibouti, giving rise to concerns over the so-called “String of Pearls” strategy aimed at increasing its strategic footprint in the Indian Ocean.
• China’s growing deployment of People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels, research ships and submarines in the Indian Ocean has intensified strategic competition and raised concerns over maritime surveillance, intelligence gathering and the security of India’s Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs).
• The increasing dependence of several Indian Ocean countries on Chinese investments and infrastructure financing has enhanced Beijing’s geopolitical influence in India’s immediate maritime neighbourhood, posing challenges to India’s traditional leadership role in the region.
• In this context, India must leverage IORA to strengthen maritime cooperation, capacity building, connectivity and development partnerships with littoral states while promoting a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indian Ocean Region based on international law rather than strategic rivalry. IORA and India BPSC preparation should therefore examine China’s growing presence and its implications for India’s maritime strategy.

Maritime Security and Non-Traditional Threats

• The Indian Ocean Region continues to face a wide range of non-traditional security threats, including piracy, maritime terrorism, Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms smuggling and cyber threats to maritime infrastructure, all of which directly affect India’s maritime and economic security.
• The Gulf of Aden, Somali coast, and parts of the Western Indian Ocean have historically been hotspots for piracy, while recent attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and adjoining waters have highlighted the vulnerability of global maritime trade routes.
• Illegal fishing by foreign fishing vessels has emerged as a serious challenge, causing economic losses, threatening marine biodiversity and adversely affecting the livelihoods of coastal communities in the Indian Ocean Region.
• The vast maritime expanse, porous sea borders and limited surveillance capabilities of several littoral states make it difficult to effectively combat transnational maritime crimes, underscoring the need for greater cooperation in Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), information sharing, joint patrols and capacity building.
• For India, addressing these challenges through IORA is essential to ensuring secure Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs), protecting critical maritime infrastructure, safeguarding the Blue Economy and maintaining peace and stability across the Indian Ocean Region. IORA and India cooperation can help India address these shared maritime security concerns.

Diverse Interests of Member States

• IORA comprises 23 member states spread across Asia, Africa and Australia, representing diverse political systems, levels of economic development and strategic priorities. This diversity often makes it difficult to build consensus on regional issues.
• While some member states prioritise maritime security, others focus on trade, Blue Economy, climate change, fisheries or development cooperation, resulting in varying expectations from the organisation.
• IORA follows a consensus-based decision-making process, which, although ensuring sovereign equality, often slows policy formulation and implementation of regional initiatives.
• The varying strategic alignments of member states with major powers further complicate cooperation on sensitive geopolitical and security issues, limiting IORA’s ability to adopt a unified regional approach.
• For India, balancing these diverse interests while promoting collective regional cooperation remains a major diplomatic challenge. India and IORA Relations therefore require sustained diplomatic engagement and consensus building.

Institutional and Implementation Constraints

• Compared to organisations such as ASEAN and the European Union, IORA has a limited institutional framework, with a relatively small Secretariat and constrained financial and administrative resources.
• Most IORA initiatives are non-binding, and the absence of strong monitoring and enforcement mechanisms often results in delays in implementing decisions and regional projects.
• Limited financial contributions from member states and varying levels of institutional capacity hinder the execution of ambitious initiatives in areas such as maritime security, connectivity, Blue Economy and disaster management.
• The effectiveness of IORA depends largely on the political commitment and voluntary cooperation of its member states, making sustained implementation a continuing challenge.
• Strengthening institutional capacity, ensuring adequate funding and improving implementation mechanisms are essential for enhancing IORA’s effectiveness and credibility. IORA and India must therefore focus on stronger institutional cooperation to achieve meaningful regional outcomes.

Climate Change and Marine Environmental Challenges

• The Indian Ocean Region is among the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions, facing rising sea levels, ocean warming, coastal erosion, coral bleaching and extreme weather events, which threaten both ecological sustainability and economic development.
• Frequent cyclones, tsunamis and floods pose serious risks to coastal communities, maritime infrastructure and livelihoods, particularly in island and developing coastal states.
• Marine pollution, including plastic waste, oil spills and degradation of marine ecosystems, has emerged as a growing challenge, adversely affecting fisheries, tourism and the Blue Economy.
• As many IORA member states have limited financial and technological capacities to address these challenges, greater regional cooperation in climate adaptation, disaster resilience, marine conservation and sustainable ocean governance is essential.
• For India, addressing climate and environmental challenges through IORA is critical for safeguarding its long coastline, coastal population, marine resources and long-term maritime interests in the Indian Ocean Region. IORA Significance for India also extends to climate resilience and sustainable maritime development.

5. India’s Chairship of IORA (2025–2027): Key Priorities and Recent Developments

India assumed the Chairship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) for the period 2025–2027, succeeding Sri Lanka, at a time when the Indian Ocean has become the centre of global geopolitical competition, maritime trade and energy security. As Chair, India has the opportunity to shape IORA’s agenda and strengthen cooperation among the 23 member states on issues of common concern. India is also represented at the highest institutional level, with Sanjiv Ranjan serving as the Secretary-General of IORA since 1 January 2025, further enhancing its leadership role. IORA and India therefore occupy an important position in India’s maritime diplomacy.

Key Priorities of India’s Chairship

• Strengthening Maritime Security: India has placed maritime safety, Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), freedom of navigation, secure Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs), and cooperation against piracy, maritime terrorism and transnational crimes at the centre of its chairship agenda.
• Promoting the Blue Economy: India aims to deepen regional cooperation in sustainable fisheries, marine resources, offshore renewable energy, ocean governance and coastal livelihoods, ensuring economic growth while protecting the marine environment.
• Enhancing Trade and Connectivity: India is promoting stronger maritime connectivity, port-led development, logistics cooperation and investment across the Indian Ocean Region to facilitate regional trade and resilient supply chains.
• Building Climate and Disaster Resilience: Recognising the vulnerability of Indian Ocean countries to cyclones, tsunamis, sea-level rise and climate change, India is prioritising disaster risk reduction, early warning systems, humanitarian assistance and resilient coastal infrastructure.
• Capacity Building and Inclusive Development: India is focusing on skill development, technology transfer, digital cooperation, scientific research and institutional capacity building, particularly for developing littoral states, reinforcing its image as a trusted development partner.
• Advancing an Inclusive Indo-Pacific Vision: Guided by the principles of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), India seeks to promote a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indian Ocean Region, while encouraging dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful cooperation rather than bloc politics. During its chairship, India has also highlighted the theme “Innovation, Openness, Resilience & Adaptability in the Indian Ocean Region”, reflecting its focus on practical and future-oriented regional cooperation.

India’s chairship provides a significant opportunity to transform IORA into a more action-oriented, effective and influential regional organisation, while reinforcing India’s position as a leading maritime power and a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region. IORA and India UPSC preparation should therefore give particular attention to India’s Chairship and its strategic priorities.

6. Way Forward

• Strengthen Institutional Capacity: Enhance the financial and administrative capabilities of the IORA Secretariat, establish robust monitoring mechanisms, and ensure time-bound implementation of regional initiatives.
• Deepen Maritime Security Cooperation: Expand collaboration in Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), information sharing, joint naval exercises, search and rescue (SAR), anti-piracy operations and protection of Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs).
• Promote the Blue Economy: Accelerate cooperation in sustainable fisheries, marine biodiversity conservation, offshore renewable energy, marine scientific research and ocean-based industries to ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
• Enhance Regional Trade and Connectivity: Improve port infrastructure, maritime logistics, digital connectivity and regional supply chains, while strengthening investment and trade cooperation among IORA member states.
• Build Climate and Disaster Resilience: Develop integrated regional mechanisms for early warning systems, disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, coastal protection and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
• Strengthen India’s Leadership: India should effectively utilise its IORA Chairship (2025–2027) to promote SAGAR, the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), capacity building, and a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indian Ocean Region, thereby reinforcing its role as a leading maritime power and trusted regional partner. IORA and India can play a crucial role in advancing regional maritime cooperation.

7. Conclusion

The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) has emerged as a vital platform for promoting maritime security, economic cooperation, the Blue Economy and sustainable development in the strategically important Indian Ocean Region. For India, IORA and India is an indispensable instrument for advancing its Indo-Pacific vision, strengthening regional connectivity, ensuring maritime security and enhancing its leadership among Indian Ocean littoral states. By effectively leveraging its Chairship (2025–2027) and deepening cooperation with member countries, India can play a pivotal role in shaping a secure, prosperous, inclusive and rules-based Indian Ocean Region. India and IORA Relations therefore remain important for India’s maritime diplomacy and regional strategy.

BPSC Mains Practice Questions

1. Discuss the strategic significance of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) for India. Examine how IORA contributes to India’s Indo-Pacific vision, maritime security, Blue Economy and regional leadership.

2. China’s expanding strategic presence in the Indian Ocean has enhanced the relevance of IORA for India. Critically examine the challenges faced by India in IORA, with special reference to China’s maritime strategy, and suggest measures to strengthen India’s role in the organisation.

Learn More from the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India

Readers interested in IORA and India, IORA and India Relations, India’s role in the Indian Ocean Rim Association, India’s IORA Chairship (2025–2027), maritime security, Blue Economy and Indo-Pacific cooperation can visit the official website of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India. The MEA provides authentic information on India’s engagement with IORA, regional maritime cooperation, diplomatic initiatives and India’s relations with Indian Ocean countries.