6th Indian Ocean Conference to begin in Dhaka
The IOC is being organized by the India Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh. The theme of the conference for the year 2023 is: “Peace, Prosperity and Partnership for a Resilient Future”.
Since 2016, the IOC has emerged as the “principal advisory forum” for countries in the region on regional matters.
The IOC provides a common platform to discuss possibilities of regional cooperation for Security and Growth for All (SAGAR) in the region.
India’s stand in IOC
- Improving and enhancing connectivity should be a priority for the countries of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- India has shown its commitment to the progress of the IOR through dedicated bodies. These bodies are: Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), and Neighborhood First Policy etc.
Importance of IOR
- One-third of the world’s population resides in this region. Major routes of global trade pass through this region.
- The region is rich in natural resources like fish, oil.
- The region is the center of maritime connectivity projects. For example – China’s ‘String of Pearls’ and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), India’s International North South Transport Project (INSTP) etc.
Challenges in IOR: Illegal drug trafficking, illegal fishing, environmental degradation etc.
Source – News On AIR
