Context:

• The 10th Indian Ocean Dialogue (IOD-10) was held in New Delhi, which is a key Track 1.5 platform of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.

Key Points:

• Organisers: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Indian Council of World Affairs
• Theme: “Indian Ocean Region in a Transforming World”
• Format: It is a Track 1.5 discussion involving senior government officials, policymakers, scholars, and experts for deliberations.
• Edition: 10th Edition
• First Dialogue (First IOD): The first Indian Ocean Dialogue was held in 2014 in Kochi.

Major Pillars of Discussion:

• Maritime Security and Safety: Discussions focused on challenges such as piracy and illegal trafficking, considering the Indian Ocean as a “Global Lifeline.”
• Blue Economy: Emphasis was laid on linking sustainable use of marine resources with economic growth.
• Women Empowerment (Nari Shakti): Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted that women’s participation in the maritime sector has increased by 340% since 2020.
• Climate Resilience and Disaster Management: A call was made to strengthen regional cooperation against rising sea levels and natural disasters.
• Trade and Investment: Discussions were held on promoting economic integration and connectivity initiatives such as IMEC and INSTC.

Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA):

• It is a major inter-governmental organisation of coastal countries of the Indian Ocean region.
• India is the Chair of IORA for 2025–27.
• India’s focus is on “Innovation, Openness, Resilience and Adaptability.”
• Established: 7 March 1997
• Background: The idea was conceived during the 1995 visit of former South African President Nelson Mandela to India.
• Headquarters (Secretariat): Ebene
• Secretary-General: Sanjeev Ranjan (appointed from 1 January 2025 for a three-year term)

Key Priority Areas:

1. Maritime Security
2. Trade & Investment
3. Fisheries Management
4. Disaster Risk Management
5. Blue Economy
6. Tourism and Cultural Exchange

Other Important Facts:

• Pakistan: Not a member of IORA due to lack of consensus and MFN status.
• IORA Day: Celebrated every year on 7 March.
• Troika: Includes the current Chair, former Chair, and future Chair (India).
• Special Agencies: Centres are located in Tehran for Science & Technology and in Oman for Fisheries Management.