Context:

• Sri Lanka is set to take over the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) during the 23rd Council of Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for October, 2023, in Colombo.

What is the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)?

• The  Indian Ocean Rim Association is an intergovernmental organization established in 1997, comprising 23 member states and 11 dialogue partners.
• Indian Ocean Rim Association Member Countries
  • Asia: India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Maldives, Oman, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
  • Africa: Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Somalia , South Africa, Tanzania, Comoros, Mauritius, Seychelles.
  • Oceania: Australia.
  • Europe: France
• Dialogue partners: China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Russia, Turkiye, United Kingdom and United States of America.
• Secretariat: Ebène, Mauritius
• IORA’s apex body is the Council of Foreign Ministers (COM) which meets annually.

• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) assumed the role of Chair from November 2019 – November 2021, followed by the People’s Republic of Bangladesh November 2021 – November 2023.
• Sri Lanka will hold the chairmanship of the association from 2023 to 2025. 
• Significance for India:  The association plays a pivotal role in advancing India’s strategic, economic, and diplomatic interests in the Indian Ocean.
• Concern: The  Indian Ocean Rim Association also coincides with reports with a possible visit of Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 to Sri Lanka. India and the U.S. have reportedly raised the matter with Sri Lanka.

News Source: The Hindu

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