Foreign Ministers from several countries, including India, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Iran, Malaysia, and South Africa, are set to participate in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers meeting in Colombo on October 11, 2023. Sri Lanka is preparing to take over as the Chair of the regional grouping. The meeting will have 16 Ministers, ministerial, and senior-level representatives from member countries and dialogue partners.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry will chair the Council, which is the highest decision-making body of IORA. The Council will discuss cooperation in six priority areas identified by the IORA, including Trade and Investment, Maritime Safety and Security, Fisheries Management, Disaster Risk Management, and Blue Economy.
IORA, established in 1997, is an intergovernmental organization comprising states from regions around the Indian Ocean. Its membership includes countries from Africa, West Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. Sri Lanka’s participation in the forum, along with other regional countries, comes amid competing strategic interests in the Indian Ocean Region, including those of India and China.
Additionally, reports suggest a possible visit by the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 to Sri Lanka, which has raised concerns from India and the U.S. India and Sri Lanka are also set to launch a ferry service connecting Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu with Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province to enhance connectivity between the two countries.
Key Points:
- Foreign Ministers from India, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Iran, Malaysia, and South Africa will attend the IORA Council of Ministers meeting in Colombo.
- Sri Lanka is taking over as the Chair of IORA, succeeding Bangladesh.
- The meeting will focus on six priority areas of cooperation, including Trade and Investment, Maritime Safety and Security, and Blue Economy.
- IORA is an intergovernmental organization comprising Indian Ocean Rim states from various regions.
- Sri Lanka’s participation in the forum coincides with reports of a possible visit by a Chinese research vessel.
- India and Sri Lanka are launching a ferry service to enhance connectivity between the two countries.
Analysis: The IORA Council of Ministers meeting provides an important platform for Indian Ocean Rim countries to discuss regional cooperation and address shared challenges. Sri Lanka’s assumption of the Chair position in IORA comes at a time when the region is witnessing increased strategic competition, particularly between India and China. Sri Lanka’s involvement in the forum, along with other regional nations, reflects its role in navigating these complex dynamics and fostering regional cooperation.
The launch of the ferry service between India and Sri Lanka is a significant step in enhancing people-to-people connectivity and economic ties between the two countries. It is expected to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges, contributing to regional development and cooperation.
