The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)
IORA is a regional organization promoting cooperation among countries connected by the Indian Ocean.
India will take over as the chair of IORA in November 2025 and has three key priorities:
increasing funding,
integrating technology,
creating maritime-ready courses through collaborations.
The region, home to two-thirds of the world’s population, plays a crucial role in global trade and oil consumption
However the region faces significant challenges like poor development, security issues, and environmental concerns.
Issues Faced by IORA
IORA relies on member contributions, leading to a limited budget, which impacts its ability to tackle issues like maritime security, fisheries management, and disaster risk management.
Most member states are developing countries with small budgets, making it difficult for IORA to address growing areas of engagement effectively.
A potential solution is to involve private sectors like shipping, oil, and marine tourism industries, which are major players in the blue economy, in policy-making and funding.
Technology, like digitizing records and improving data analysis, could help improve governance and efficiency in IORA’s operations.
Suggestions for India’s Leadership
India’s SAGAR vision aligns with IORA’s goals and should be used to strengthen partnerships with member countries.
India can leverage IORA’s relationships with countries like Australia (marine science), France and Singapore (marine technologies), and UAE and Oman (investment) to create sustainable solutions.
Traditional knowledge from coastal nations like Sri Lanka, Seychelles, and Mauritius should be integrated into marine governance practices.
Education and research institutions should collaborate with industries to create courses related to the blue economy and marine management to prepare a skilled workforce.
The Path Forward for IORA
India’s leadership can help address IORA’s institutional issues, leading to better regional cooperation and prosperity.
Collaboration with private sectors and educational institutions, along with a focus on technology, can enable IORA to effectively meet the challenges of the Indian Ocean region.
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