India, during the 23rd Council of Ministers Meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in Colombo, emphasized the significance of a multilateral rules-based international order, underpinned by genuine respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, to rejuvenate the Indian Ocean as a robust community. This declaration, though not explicitly stated, was seen as a veiled critique of China's assertiveness in the region.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who represented India, also stressed the importance of preserving the Indian Ocean as a free, open, and inclusive space in line with the principles of the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS). He remarked, "We will continue our approach of contributing to build capacity and secure safety and security in the Indian Ocean region, including as a first responder and a net security provider."
As India assumed the Vice-Chair role of IORA for 2023-25 at the pivotal meeting, Jaishankar articulated India's commitment to fostering a stable, prosperous, strong, and resilient Indian Ocean community that could effectively collaborate within the region and respond to events beyond its shores.
Furthermore, he underlined the crucial role the Indian Ocean plays in the resurgence of Asia and the global rebalancing process. It contributes significantly to the development and prosperity of the nations along its shores, facilitating trade, supporting livelihoods, and offering vast possibilities for connectivity and resource utilization.
Jaishankar also advocated the idea of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' or 'the world is one family' as a unifying principle for IORA Member States.
He emphasized the need to maintain the Indian Ocean as a free, open, and inclusive domain in line with UNCLOS while upholding the spirit of cooperation and understanding that has been a hallmark of the region. This approach discourages hidden agendas that could hinder this spirit of cooperation.
In the face of a range of challenges, including developmental issues, connectivity gaps, unsustainable debt burdens from unviable projects, extremism, terrorism, natural disasters, and climate change, Jaishankar highlighted the collective hurdles faced by IORA Member States.
As India assumes the role of Vice-Chair, it aims to work collaboratively with IORA Member States to strengthen the organization's institutional, financial, and legal framework. India's specific focus will be on Maritime Safety and security and the Blue Economy as a coordinating country, with contributions to other priority and cross-cutting areas of IORA as needed.
The meeting included 16 ministers, with the participation of Foreign Ministers from Bangladesh, Iran, Mauritius, Malaysia, and South Africa, among others.
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