India hosted the 28th Meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in New Delhi on 15–16 June 2026 during its Chairship for 2025–27.
Key outcomes
- Action Plan 2028–2032: advanced negotiations on a five‑year Action Plan prioritising a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean Region.
- Institutional review: CSO reviewed institutional progress and priority areas for implementation during the Chairship.
- In‑person meeting: first physical CSO session in five years, restoring face‑to‑face multilateral engagement.
Thematic focus
- Maritime security: maritime domain awareness, counter‑piracy and rules‑based conduct at sea.
- Blue economy & connectivity: sustainable fisheries, port cooperation, maritime trade facilitation.
- Disaster risk & climate: coastal resilience, early warning systems and ocean‑climate linkages.
- Gender inclusion: reported 340% rise in women’s participation in India’s maritime sector since 2020; initiative cited: Sagar Mein Samman.
Participation & partnerships
- Member states: Somalia and Seychelles participated; Seychelles updated on an IORA‑funded Ocean Knowledge Education programme.
- Dialogue partners: Canada’s application for dialogue partner status was examined by the CSO.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- Founding & secretariat: IORA was established in 1997; the Secretariat is located in Ebene, Mauritius.
- Primary organs: Council of Ministers and Committee of Senior Officials are the principal decision‑making bodies.
- Core cooperation areas: maritime safety & security, trade & investment facilitation, fisheries management, disaster risk management and science & technology.