Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA): Maritime Security, Indo-Pacific Strategy & Indian Ocean Challenges

India, as Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association, is focusing on maritime security challenges arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia, particularly disruptions in the Indian Ocean and Strait of Hormuz.

• The 2027 summit of the Indian Ocean Rim Association will commemorate the organisation’s 30th anniversary. 
• Recently, the Indian Ocean Dialogue was co-hosted by the Indian Ocean Rim Association and India’s Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi. 
  • The dialogue was conducted as a “Track 1.5” conference involving officials, academics, experts, and policy practitioners.

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About Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)

• Origin: The Indian Ocean Rim Association is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1997. 
• Members: It includes 23 member states and 12 dialogue partners, working collaboratively to foster regional cooperation and development.
  • 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, the European Union, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States. 
• Secretariat: Ebène, Mauritius
• Administration: The Council of Foreign Ministers, IORA’s highest decision-making body, convenes annually to review progress and set future goals for regional cooperation.

India’s Role as Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)

• Maritime Safety and Security: Maritime security has emerged as the foremost concern in the Indian Ocean due to piracy, terrorism, trafficking, and the growing militarisation of sea routes. 
  • The ongoing instability in West Asia and threats around the Strait of Hormuz have further highlighted the importance of safeguarding Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs).
• Strengthening the Blue Economy: India considers the Blue Economy a major driver of sustainable growth and regional prosperity. 
  • The Indian Ocean contains vast marine resources that can support fisheries, renewable energy, tourism, shipping, and coastal livelihoods.
• Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Resilience: The Indian Ocean Region is highly vulnerable to cyclones, tsunamis, sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events. 
  • Climate change poses an existential threat, particularly to Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
• Advancing India’s Indo-Pacific Vision: India views IORA as a crucial pillar of its broader Indo-Pacific strategy. 
  • The Indian Ocean is central to global trade, connectivity, and geopolitical balance, making regional cooperation essential for peace and prosperity.
• Enhances India’s Diplomatic and Strategic Influence in the Indian Ocean Region: India’s chairmanship strengthens its role as a leading voice among Indian Ocean littoral states. 
  • As the Indian Ocean occupies a central place in global geopolitics, India can use the platform to deepen engagement with countries across Africa, West Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and island nations
• Strengthen South-South Cooperation: Most IORA members belong to the developing world and face common challenges such as poverty, climate vulnerability, food insecurity, limited infrastructure, and maritime threats.
  • India’s chairmanship enables it to promote cooperation among Global South countries based on mutual development and capacity-building. 
• Aligns with India’s Aspiration to Become a Leading Maritime Power: India’s geographical position at the centre of the Indian Ocean gives it a natural maritime advantage. 
  • Through IORA, India seeks to transform itself from a continental power into a major maritime power with greater influence over regional trade routes and maritime affairs.
• Helps Secure Vital Trade and Energy Routes: The Indian Ocean carries a major share of global trade, including critical energy supplies passing through chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb, and the Malacca Strait.
• Supports Regional Peace, Stability, and Sustainable Development: India’s chairmanship emphasises cooperative security and peaceful regional engagement rather than confrontation or bloc politics. 
  • Through IORA, India aims to promote sustainable growth, climate resilience, and peaceful coexistence among member countries.

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Challenges Before the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)

• Weak Institutional Structure: The Indian Ocean Rim Association lacks a strong institutional framework and decision-making authority compared to organisations like the European Union or ASEAN.
  • Despite growing maritime threats in the Indian Ocean, IORA has limited capacity to enforce collective maritime security measures.
• Limited Financial Resources: IORA depends heavily on voluntary contributions from member states, limiting its ability to implement major regional initiatives.
  • Many proposed blue economy and climate resilience projects remain underfunded due to inadequate financial support from member countries.
• Lack of Enforcement Mechanisms: IORA functions primarily as a consultative body and lacks binding enforcement powers over member states.
  • Even when consensus is reached on maritime cooperation or illegal fishing, implementation depends entirely on the willingness of individual countries.
• Geopolitical Rivalries in the Indian Ocean: Strategic competition among major powers has increased tensions in the Indian Ocean Region.
  • Rivalry between China and the United States over maritime influence and military presence complicates regional cooperation efforts.
• Growing Chinese Presence: China’s expanding strategic and economic footprint through port development and naval access raises concerns among regional countries.
  • China’s involvement in ports such as Hambantota Port and Gwadar Port is often viewed as part of its “String of Pearls” strategy.
• Maritime Security Threats: The Indian Ocean faces threats from piracy, trafficking, and maritime terrorism that disrupt trade and regional stability.
  Example: Somali piracy in the Gulf of Aden threatened international shipping routes and forced countries, including India, to increase naval patrols.
• Naval Militarisation of the Indian Ocean: Major powers are increasing their naval deployments and military infrastructure in the region.
  • The strategic importance of Diego Garcia as a U.S. military base reflects the growing militarisation of the Indian Ocean.
• Diverse Political and Economic Interests: IORA includes countries with varying strategic priorities, economic capacities, and political systems, making consensus difficult.
  Example: Differences in approaches toward Indo-Pacific security and relations with China often create divisions among member states.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Maritime Governance: The Indian Ocean Rim Association must enhance collective maritime governance to address piracy, trafficking, terrorism, and emerging security threats in the Indian Ocean Region.
  • For Example: India’s Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) can serve as a platform for maritime information sharing among IORA countries.
• Enhance Economic Cooperation: IORA should deepen regional economic integration to unlock the vast economic potential of the Indian Ocean Region.
  • India’s cooperation with Mauritius and Seychelles in port development reflects efforts to strengthen maritime connectivity.
• Promote Regional Stability: Regional peace and stability are essential for uninterrupted trade and maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean.
  • Promote adherence to international maritime law and UNCLOS principles.
• Build Resilient Supply Chains: The disruptions caused by conflicts and geopolitical tensions highlight the need for resilient regional supply chains.
  • For Example: India’s investment in strategic petroleum reserves helps cushion the economy against disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Institutional Reforms in IORA: For IORA to emerge as an effective regional organisation, institutional strengthening is essential.
  • For Example: The proposed IORA Leaders’ Summit in 2027 can provide renewed direction and visibility to the organisation.

Conclusion

• A stronger and more effective Indian Ocean Rim Association is essential for ensuring maritime security, economic resilience, and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean Region. 
  • Through cooperative governance, institutional reforms, and enhanced regional integration, IORA can evolve into a significant pillar of the Indo-Pacific architecture.

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