Context:
IORA’s significance is expected to increase with the rising presence of Non-Resident global powers like US and Russia in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA):
- An inter-governmental organisation established in 1997
- Aim – Strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within IOR.
- Members – 23 members within IOR (including India)
- 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.
- Dialogue Partners – China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
- Secretariat – Mauritius
- Apex body – Council of Foreign Ministers (COM) which meets annually.
- 6 Priority Areas and 2 Focus Areas –
- ‘IORA’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific’ – A consensus document adopted in 2022 (proposed by India) which calls for adherence to 1982 UNCLOS and other relevant UN treaties
Source: IORA
Previous Year Question
With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IORARC)’, consider the following statements:
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 statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2015 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
It was established in 1997 and formerly known as the Indian Ocean Rim initiative.
Maritime security, trade, and investment, disaster risk reduction, academic and scientific Corporation, cultural exchange, blue economy, empowerment of women, and fisheries management are identified as eight priorities area of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
