In a significant address at the 23rd Council of Ministers Meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), held in Colombo, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar articulated India’s dedication to a multilateral rules-based international order. This commitment, he emphasized, must be coupled with profound respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity as the fundamental principles for reinvigorating the Indian Ocean as a robust and cohesive community.
Though not explicitly mentioned, the address was seen as a veiled admonishment of China, which has been assertively expanding its influence in the region. China is embroiled in territorial disputes in both the South China Sea (SCS) and the East China Sea (ECS).
Mr. Jaishankar also underscored the importance of upholding the Indian Ocean as a free, open, and inclusive expanse in alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS). He asserted that India would persist in its efforts to enhance the region’s capacity and ensure safety and security, positioning itself as a first responder and a key security provider.
Highlighting the central role the Indian Ocean plays in the resurgence of Asia and global rebalancing, Jaishankar noted that it is instrumental in supporting trade, sustaining livelihoods, and providing opportunities for connectivity and resource utilization. He emphasized the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ signifying that “the world is one family,” which can act as a unifying force among IORA Member States.
India, as the Vice-Chair of IORA for 2023-2025, articulated its priorities of fostering a stable, prosperous, and resilient Indian Ocean community. Mr. Jaishankar also underscored the need to maintain the Indian Ocean as an open and inclusive space as per UNCLOS, referencing the spirit of cooperation that emerged in 1971.
The minister acknowledged the various challenges the region faces, including developmental issues, connectivity gaps, unsustainable debt burdens, extremism, terrorism, natural disasters, and climate change. As the “vishwa mitra” or the world’s friend, India committed to working with IORA Member States to strengthen the institutional, financial, and legal framework of the organization.
India will have a particular focus on Maritime Safety & Security and the Blue Economy as a coordinating country while contributing to other areas as required. This commitment was made in the presence of 16 ministers, including the Foreign Ministers of Bangladesh, Iran, Mauritius, Malaysia, and South Africa.
In this diplomatic message, India sent a clear signal of its dedication to upholding the Indian Ocean’s integrity, cooperation, and prosperity in the face of mounting regional challenges.
