6th International Indian Ocean Conference (IOC)

Latest Context

Recently, the 6^th International Indian Ocean Conference was organized in Dhaka between 12-13 May. The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Peace, Prosperity and Partnership for a Resilient Future’. It is being organized by India Foundation in association with the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since 2016, IOC has emerged as the “Flagship Consultative Firm”.  It offers a common platform to deliberate upon prospects of regional cooperation for Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

India’s Outlook at IOC

• To improve and enhance the connectivity should be the priority of countries located in Indian Ocean Regions (IORs).
• India has shown its commitment to the progress of IOR through dedicated bodies like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), the Neighborhood First policy etc.

Importance of IORs

• Home to 1/3rd of the world’s population and falls at crossroads of global trade.
• Rich in natural resources like fisheries, oil, etc.
• Hub of maritime connectivity projects like China’s ‘String of Pearls’ and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and India’s International North-South Transport Project (INSTP).

Challenges in IOR

• Illegal drug trafficking, illegal fishing, Environmental degradation, etc.

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