Indian Ocean Rim Association

Indian Ocean Rim Association

News: India has participated in the 23rd Council of Ministers(COM) meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

About:
• The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is an inter-governmental organization aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region through its 23 Member States and 11 Dialogue Partners.
• Member states: Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
• Dialogue Partners: It has 11 dialogue partners: China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
• The organization is tripartite in nature, bringing together representatives of Government, Business, and Academia, for promoting cooperation and closer interaction among them.
• The Coordinating Secretariat of IORA is located at Ebene, Mauritius.

Key Highlights from 23rd COM meeting:
• Sri Lanka assumed the Chairmanship of IORA for the term 2023-25.
• India assumed the role of the Vice Chair of IORA for the year 2023-25 followed by the Chairmanship in 2025-27.
• India and Sri Lanka signed 3 agreements on bilateral cooperation regarding: 1) Indian assistance for housing projects 2) Modernizing schools and 3) New joint project between the Indian National Dairy Development Board, Amul cooperative and the Sri Lankan Cargill Group to increase milk production in Sri Lanka.