Daily Current Affairs : 16-October-2023
The recent Council of Ministers (COM) meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in Colombo highlighted the theme of ‘Reinforcing Indian Ocean Identity’. This gathering sheds light on the importance of the Indian Ocean region and the collaborative efforts of 23 countries, including India, in shaping its future.
About IORA:
- The IORA comprises 23 countries spanning Africa, West Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia, situated around the Indian Ocean.
- The apex body, the Council of Foreign Ministers, convenes annually, rotating through member countries every two years.
- Sri Lanka assumed the Chair from Bangladesh, with India serving as Vice-Chair, emphasizing the regional prominence within IORA.
- Member countries include Australia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, South Africa, and others, fostering regional cooperation.
- Additionally, there are 11 dialogue partners including China, Egypt, Japan, and the U.S., reflecting a global interest in the region.
- IORA, originating from a speech by Nelson Mandela in 1995, was formally established in 1997 in Mauritius, addressing the region’s collective concerns.
Significance of the Indian Ocean Region:
- Population: Home to a third of the world’s population (2.6 billion people), the region is culturally diverse and vibrant.
- Trade: The Indian Ocean region facilitates 80% of global oil trade, 50% of containerized cargo, and 33% of bulk cargo movements, reflecting its economic significance.
- Challenges and Safe Space: IORA provides a secure space for member countries, shielding them from challenges posed by other regional organizations and China’s initiatives, ensuring peaceful collaboration.
- Consensus-based Membership: IORA’s consensus-based membership ensures a non-contentious environment, with countries like Pakistan not being admitted due to unresolved issues, making it a less contentious space for India.
Focus of IORA:
- Maritime Safety and Security: Addressing challenges related to piracy and maritime threats, ensuring safe passage for trade and travel.
- Trade and Investment Facilitation: Promoting economic cooperation and simplifying trade procedures among member states.
- Fisheries Management: Encouraging sustainable fishing practices and preserving marine resources.
- Disaster Risk Management: Collaborative efforts for disaster preparedness and management, enhancing resilience in the face of natural calamities.
- Academic, Science, and Technology: Fostering research, innovation, and knowledge exchange, enhancing technological capabilities.
- Tourism and Cultural Exchanges: Promoting cultural understanding and tourism, enriching intercultural ties among member countries.
- Gender Empowerment: Advocating for gender equality and empowering women in various sectors, fostering inclusive growth.
Important Points:
About IORA:
- 23 countries from Africa, West Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia are part of IORA.
- The apex body is the Council of Foreign Ministers, meeting annually and rotating through member countries.
- Sri Lanka chairs the IORA, with India serving as Vice-Chair, highlighting regional significance.
- 11 dialogue partners, including China, Egypt, Japan, and the U.S., engage in discussions.
- IORA, originating from Nelson Mandela’s speech in 1995, was officially established in 1997 in Mauritius.
Significance of the Indian Ocean Region:
- Home to a third of the world’s population (2.6 billion people), making it culturally diverse.
- Facilitates 80% of global oil trade, 50% of containerized cargo, and 33% of bulk cargo movements.
- IORA provides a safe space for member countries, shielding them from challenges posed by other regional organizations and China’s initiatives.
- Membership is consensus-based, ensuring a non-contentious environment; countries like Pakistan are not admitted due to unresolved issues.
Focus of IORA:
- Maritime Safety and Security:
- Addressing piracy and maritime threats.
- Ensuring safe passage for trade and travel.
- Trade and Investment Facilitation:
- Promoting economic cooperation.
- Simplifying trade procedures among member states.
- Fisheries Management:
- Encouraging sustainable fishing practices.
- Preserving marine resources.
- Disaster Risk Management:
- Collaborative efforts for disaster preparedness and management.
- Enhancing resilience in the face of natural calamities.
- Academic, Science, and Technology:
- Fostering research, innovation, and knowledge exchange.
- Enhancing technological capabilities.
- Tourism and Cultural Exchanges:
- Promoting cultural understanding and tourism.
- Enriching intercultural ties among member countries.
- Gender Empowerment:
- Advocating for gender equality.
- Empowering women in various sectors, fostering inclusive growth.
Why In News
Reinforcing Indian Ocean Identity’ was the banner theme at the Indian Ocean Rim Association’s (IORA) Council of Ministers (COM) held in Colombo recently. The event brought together leaders and policymakers from the Indian Ocean rim countries to discuss collaborative strategies for sustainable development and regional cooperation, emphasizing the importance of fostering a sense of unity and shared identity among the nations bordering the Indian Ocean.
MCQs about IORA
-
What is the main focus area of IORA ?
A. Economic Cooperation
B. Climate Change Initiatives
C. Maritime Safety and Security
D. Cultural Exchange Programs
-
Which country is the current Chair of IORA?
A. India
B. Sri Lanka
C. Bangladesh
D. Australia
-
Why is IORA considered a non-contentious space for member countries like India?
A. It excludes neighboring countries
B. Membership is based on consensus
C. It is a military-led organization
D. It focuses solely on cultural exchanges
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