The upcoming 23rd Council of Ministers’ Meeting is set to bring about a change in leadership for the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). The meeting, scheduled for October 11, 2023, will see Sri Lanka taking over the chairmanship of the association, a position it will hold from 2023 to 2025. Previously, Bangladesh was at the helm of the organization from November 2021 until November 2023.
A Look at the Indian Ocean Rim Association’s Origins
The concept of IORA was born out of a visit by Nelson Mandela, the then President of South Africa, to India in 1995. During his visit, Mandela shared his vision for increased socio-economic cooperation among countries on the rim of the Indian Ocean. This visit spurred the Indian Ocean Rim Initiative in March 1995, followed by the creation of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (originally known as the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation) in March 1997.
Membership and Governance
Currently, the IORA boasts 23 Member States and 11 Dialogue Partners. The Member States include 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, Yemen. The Dialogue Partners, on the other hand, consist of China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
Overseeing the activities of these nations is the Secretariat, which is based in Mauritius.
IORA’s Priority and Focus Areas
IORA has six priority areas and two focus areas, all centered on the Indian Ocean, the third-largest ocean in the world. This vast body of water commands the control of numerous trade routes, transporting half of the globe’s container ships, one third of the global bulk cargo traffic, and two thirds of all oil shipments. Due to this significant role in international trade and transport, the Indian Ocean remains a crucial lifeline to many nations.
Previous Year Questions for UPSC Civil Services Examination
In recent years, the Indian Ocean Rim Association has featured in several questions for civil service exams. One such question, asked in 2015, stated:
“Consider the following statements concerning the ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’:
1. It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills.
2. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only.
Which of the following statements is or are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2”
The correct answer was (d).
