| Introduction: Contextual Introduction Body: How India can strengthen the foundation for meaningful governance in the IORA region? Conclusion: Way forward |
The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is an apex regional organization that promotes open regionalism among Asian, African, and Australian nations connected by the Indian Ocean.
Significance of IORA and India’s Strategic Interests
- Economic Importance – The Indian Ocean facilitates 75% of global trade and 50% of daily oil transport, with intra-IORA trade reaching $800 billion in 2023. The blue economy generates over $1 trillion annually.
- Maritime Security – Threats like piracy, terrorism, and illegal fishing endanger regional stability. India’s SAGAR vision aligns with IORA’s goal of ensuring secure sea lanes.
- Climate Resilience – Rising sea levels and cyclones threaten coastal regions. IORA plays a key role in disaster preparedness and mitigation.
- Geopolitical Significance – While free from major power rivalry, China’s growing presence makes India’s leadership crucial for balancing external influences and strengthening cooperation.
Challenges Faced by IORA
- Financial Constraints – IORA’s budget depends on member contributions and remains inadequate for its expanding role, especially compared to the $1.3 billion budget of the smaller Indian Ocean Commission.
- Institutional Weaknesses – The understaffed Secretariat in Mauritius struggles with governance and implementation, while slow decision-making and the lack of an enforcement mechanism limit policy effectiveness.
- Technological Gaps – Inefficient data management and outdated systems hamper evidence-based policymaking, leading to delays and inaccuracies in governance.
- Limited Private Sector Involvement – Key maritime industries like shipping and marine tourism are not integrated into policymaking, missing opportunities for funding and expertise in sustainable development.
India’s Strategy to Strengthen IORA’s Governance
- Enhancing Financial Resources – Establishing an IORA Fund with contributions from member states, private players, and global institutions while encouraging private-sector involvement in maritime policymaking.
- Institutional Strengthening – Expanding the IORA Secretariat’s capacity, digitizing processes, and integrating advanced marine technologies with support from Australia, France, and Singapore.
- Capacity Building – Developing marine-ready courses, interdisciplinary programs like marine accounting, and fostering scholar-practitioner collaborations to strengthen the blue economy.
- Disaster Management and Climate Resilience – Creating a Disaster Response Fund, improving early warning systems, and utilizing traditional knowledge from coastal nations for sustainable governance.
Conclusion
India’s IORA chairship is an opportunity to address financial, institutional, and technological gaps while fostering regional cooperation. Success will depend on securing funding, leveraging technology, strengthening disaster resilience, and balancing geopolitical interests for a more effective and inclusive IORA.
