Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)

Spain has formally joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and simultaneously upgraded its bilateral relations with India to a Strategic Partnership

About the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)

• The Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) was launched by India in November 2019 at the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit (EAS), Bangkok.
• Objective: To promote a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, strengthen maritime security, ensure rules-based order, and enhance safety, stability and sustainable development in the maritime domain.
• Nature and Framework:
• • IPOI is a non-treaty-based, voluntary and flexible framework.
  • It does not create a new institution and relies primarily on the EAS mechanism, involving ASEAN members and eight dialogue partners.
  • Emphasises cohesion through shared understanding and practical cooperation, rather than formal alliances
• Philosophical Foundation: IPOI operationalises India’s broader maritime vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and signals India’s enhanced strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific.

Pillars of IPOI 

• Pillar-Based Approach: The IPOI is structured around seven thematic pillars, with one or more countries voluntarily leading each pillar while others join as partners.
• Expanding Participation: Greece has recently joined IPOI and is expected to co-lead a pillar, while South Korea is considering participation, indicating growing acceptance of the initiative.

Evolution and Strategic Convergence

• Alignment with Regional Visions: The IPOI aligns closely with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), reinforcing ASEAN centrality and inclusiveness.
• Synergy with Other Groupings: The initiative complements maritime agendas of the Quad, selected pillars of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), and other Indian Ocean and Pacific regional mechanisms.
• Bilateral and Plurilateral Outcomes: The Australia–India Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative Partnership (AIIPOIP) exemplifies IPOI-driven cooperation, particularly in maritime ecology.
• China’s Position: China acknowledged the IPOI in 2021 but has not formally articulated support or opposition, reflecting strategic caution.

Relevance of IPOI

• Evolving Security Environment: The Indo-Pacific has witnessed rising geopolitical competition, piracy, attacks on shipping, and illegal fishing, reinforcing the need for cooperative maritime frameworks.
• Climate and Ocean Challenges: Oceans play a critical role in climate regulation by absorbing 92% of excess heat and 28% of carbon dioxide, making maritime ecology central to global climate action.
• Maritime Connectivity and Trade: Rapid expansion of maritime corridors and infrastructure aligns IPOI closely with India’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
• Strategic Significance for India: Positions India as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region by institutionalising security partnerships, capacity-building assistance, maritime domain awareness, and regional leadership.
• Maritime Stability and Regional Order: IPOI supports freedom of navigation, respect for international law (UNCLOS), and rules-based governance of global commons, strengthening stability in strategically vital sea lanes such as the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and wider Indo-Pacific.

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India-Spain Bilateral Relations

• Diplomatic Relations: 
  • Diplomatic Ties: Established in 1956
  • The Bilateral strengthened since 2017 under the framework of the Association for Peace, Growth, and Innovation (APCI).
• Multilateral Cooperation:
  • Spain supports India’s role in global governance and security regimes including India’s entry into Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)
• Defence Cooperation:
  • Rapidly growing defence ties marked by the US$ 2.5 billion deal for 56 C-295 aircraft from Airbus (Spain); 40 aircraft to be manufactured in India under Make in India.
  • Cooperation includes joint working groups, air force exercises, naval passage exercises, port calls, and participation in multilateral exercises such as Tarang Shakti and Ocean Sky.
• Trade and Economic Relations:
  • Spain is India’s sixth-largest trading partner in Europe, with bilateral trade crossing US$ 11 billion in 2024. 
  • India has a trade surplus.
    • Exports: mineral fuels, chemicals, iron & steel, textiles, machinery, seafood, leather.
    • Imports: mechanical appliances, chemicals, plastics, mineral fuels.
• Investment Cooperation:
  • Spain is India’s 16th largest investor with cumulative FDI of US$ 4.29+ billion.
  • 200+ Spanish companies operate  in India; ~80 Indian companies in Spain.
  • Indian investment in Spain: ~US$ 900 million.
  • Key mechanisms: Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation (JCEC, 1972), India–Spain CEOs Forum, Indian Chamber of Commerce (2023).
• Sectoral Cooperation:
  • Defence manufacturing, renewable energy, smart cities, telecommunications, urban infrastructure, tourism, and audiovisual production.
• Cultural and Educational Cooperation:
  • Guided by Cultural Exchange Programme (2024–2028), university MoUs, and audiovisual collaboration.
  • Indian diaspora in Spain: ~75,000.
  • Cultural outreach via Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) through yoga, classical dance, and cultural programmes.
  • Institutions like Casa de la India (Valladolid) promote people-to-people ties.
  • City twinning: Ahmedabad – Valladolid strengthen sub-national cooperation.
  • 2026 declared as Year of India–Spain in Culture, Tourism, and Artificial Intelligence, reflecting soft-power convergence and future-oriented cooperation.

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