Q. With reference to the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) consider the following statements:
1.IORA plays a significant role in enhancing regional cooperation and advancing sustainable development in the Indian Ocean region.
2.IORA aims to establish dominance in the Indian Ocean region, asserting control over it as its territory.
3.During the recent Council of Ministers (COM) meeting of IORA, member countries resolved to encourage the adoption of a common currency for trade among them.
How many of the above statements are correct?:
Explanation –
Statement 1 is correct. IORA is an inter-governmental organisation consisting of 23 states bordering the Indian Ocean. It was founded in 1997 to foster regional cooperation and economic development. It plays a significant role in enhancing regional cooperation and advancing sustainable development in the Indian Ocean region.
Statements 2 and 3 are incorrect. IORA is focused on promoting cooperation, dialogue, and development among its member countries in the Indian Ocean region and it does intend to establish dominance in the Indian Ocean region, asserting control over it as its territory. During the recent Council of Ministers (COM) meeting of IORA, countries adopted the Colombo Communique. The Communique welcomed Sri Lanka as the new Chair of IORA and India as the new Vice-Chair for the year 2023-25. It also adopted the IORA Vision 2030 and beyond, which sets out the Association’s long-term goals and priorities.
Source: ForumIAS
