The Indian Ocean Conference facilitates strategic policy discussions between partner countries – promoting shared prosperity, sustainable security and growth cooperation frameworks attuned to the region’s priorities.
Launched in 2016 under India’s Act East policy umbrella to nurture extensive regional ties, previous conferences convened across key Indian Ocean countries have catalyzed constructive dialogue and seeded new mechanisms advancing common goals.
- 7th edition organized in 2023, launched in Perth, Australia
- Part of the annual dialogues under India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine
- Previous 6 editions held in Singapore (2016), Sri Lanka (2017), Vietnam (2018), Maldives (2019), Abu Dhabi (2021) and India (2022)
- Brings together Heads of States/Ministries, Delegates and domain experts from over 40 countries for substantive discussions
- Key countries represented: India, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Kenya among others
- Has seeded new cooperative frameworks like the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the Information Fusion Centre
Key Focus Areas
- Maritime security cooperation to counter terrorism, trafficking, illegal fishing
- Partnerships ensuring sustainable and transparent infrastructure growth
- Climate risk mitigation through disaster-prepared disaster response capabilities
- Economic and cultural connectivity furthering growth
India’s Vision for the Indian Ocean Region
India advocates upholding international laws safeguarding territorial integrity, unimpeded commerce and peaceful resolution of disputes under the SAGAR doctrine promising joint stewardship of the Indian Ocean.
- India unveiled SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region) doctrine for its Indian Ocean outreach in 2015
- Aligns with UN Law of the Sea framework upholding key principles:
- Freedom of navigation unimpeded by arbitrary jurisdictions
- Promotion of inclusive regional cooperation frameworks
- Peaceful resolution of maritime territorial disputes
- Conservation of marine ecological resources
- Seeks to strengthen disaster resilience among countries to mitigate impact events like cyclones, floods etc.
- Envisions joint collaboration on maritime security issues:
- Set up multilateral Information Fusion Centre in 2018 combating piracy, trafficking
- Trained over 5000 defense personnel from IOR countries in hydrography etc.
- Spearheaded the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative in 2019
- Pillar working groups focusing on maritime security, trade connectivity etc.
- Key partners include Australia, Indonesia and Singapore
Strategic Multilateral Partnerships Seeded
- Information Fusion Centre for Maritime Security headquartered in India
- Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative proposed by PM Modi with key pillar on maritime security
- Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure framing resilience standards
Previous Editions Overview
All the previous editions engaged regional leadership in substantive discussions on maritime economy, environment and technology.
1st Edition, 2016
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- Held first time in Singapore
- Key focus areas discussed:
- Port-led regional development strategies
- Leveraging blue economy prospects sustainably
- Knowledge transfer frameworks for policymaking
3rd Edition, 2018
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- Hosted in Hanoi, Vietnam
- Outcomes included:
- Setting norms for responsible fishing to curb IUU practices
- Advocating regional solar energy grids furthering renewables adoption
- Capacity building networks to tackle marine pollution
5th Edition, 2021
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- Conducted in hybrid format during pandemic
- Spotlight themes:
- Health, pharmaceutical cooperation building supply chain resilience
- Digital connectivity enabling access to education, finance during disruption
Over 3000 high-level delegates participated cumulatively over 6 past editions
Key Takeaways from 7th Edition
- Spotlight on pressing economic crises and security threats to stability
- Frameworks supporting climate risk mitigation through shared resilient infrastructure
The Way Forward
Annual Indian Ocean conferences continue to substantively engage regional actors, aligning cooperative visions addressing pressing developmental, environmental and stability challenges central to unlocking the region’s immense collective potential.
| Parameter | Details |
| Year | 2023 |
| Host City and Country | Perth, Australia |
| Theme | “Indian Ocean: Building Transparency, Inclusivity and Security” |
| Participating Countries | >40 countries mainly from Asia, Africa and Oceania |
| High-level Delegates | Heads of State/Government, Foreign Ministers, Defence Officials, Domain Experts |
| Key Focus Areas | Maritime Security, Infrastructure Development, Ocean Sustainability, Blue Economy |
| Past Editions | 6 held earlier across Singapore, Sri Lanka, Vietnam etc. since 2016 |
| Future Roadmap | Annual hosting mandated until 2025 |
Indian Ocean Conference facilitates strategic leadership visioning of priorities and formulation of partnerships central to addressing the region’s interlinked maritime security, infrastructure building and sustainability objectives. Continued annual editions mandated until 2025 for carrying substantive bilateral and issue-specific discussions forward.
