Sri Lanka’s Leadership in the IORA and Its Geopolitical Implications

In the contemporary world, the Indian Ocean is a geopolitical hotspot for strategic competition and potential conflicts since it is essential for international trade and energy supply lines. This region is of prime importance because a third of the world’s population (2.5 billion) resides here, eighty percent of the world’s seaborne oil trade passes through the Indian Ocean choke points, and half of the world’s containerized cargo and one-third of its bulk cargo pass through here. Therefore, regional cooperation is of utmost importance in the region to pursue the common interests of the nations surrounding the Indian Ocean.

The Role of IORA
Established in 1997, IORA, as a regional organization, has the potential to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Indian Ocean region. At present, IORA consists of countries from Africa, West Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, amounting to 23 member states and 11 dialogue partners. The organization offers a platform for member governments to communicate and work together to address shared issues and take advantage of possibilities in the area, as its mission is closely related to the geostrategic significance of the Indian Ocean. IORA has identified the need for cooperation in six priority areas, including Trade and Investment, Maritime Safety and Security, Fisheries Management, Disaster Risk Management, and the Blue Economy.

The New Chair- Sri Lanka
The strategically advantageous location of Sri Lanka, at the crossroads of important sea routes, enables it to play a critical role in the geopolitical mechanisms of the region. Taking over as the chair of IORA from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka has been provided with an opportunity to shape the agenda and operations of the organization. Owing to its geographical location in the Indian Ocean and its historical, cultural, and economic linkages with other member states, Sri Lanka is well-positioned to serve as the organization’s leader. This position of IORA chair presents itself at a time when the Indian Ocean region is experiencing heightened strategic competitiveness and economic expansion, especially against the backdrop of competing strategic interests between Quad and China, which Sri Lanka frequently grapples with.”

Being the Chair, Sri Lanka has presented its theme as “Strengthening regional architecture: Reinforcing Indian Ocean identity.” Sri Lanka’s leadership is complemented by India’s position as Vice Chair, providing a balanced regional strategy. As a significant regional player, India can lend its support to Sri Lanka’s activities, leading to the enhancement of the efficacy of regional programs. The two countries can collaborate with each other to maintain regional stability in the Indian Ocean’s geopolitical environment.

The country of Sri Lanka has been grappling with a severe economic crisis for some time now. Commenting on the significance of this position for Sri Lanka, the Executive Director General of the IORA Secretariat in Colombo, Sudarshan Seneviratne, exclaimed that, ‘Hosting such a major conference sends a symbolic message that, despite the economic crisis we’ve had, we feel confident that we are holding our own and will come through it.

Indo-Sri Lankan relationship through -IORA
India’s policies, based on the principles of the international order, the rule of law, sustainable and transparent infrastructure investment, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, have significantly influenced Sri Lanka’s development and other activities. It is essential to base bilateral agreements on the principles of good neighborliness. Notable initiatives include the construction of 10,000 houses for plantation residents in Sri Lanka, the recent launch of the India-Sri Lanka ferry service, the introduction of a joint logo commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and the unveiling of a joint logo by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, and Cargills Group.

The Indian Ocean is not only a significant body of water but also a crucial economic and strategic corridor. India plays a vital role in the development and prosperity of countries in its vicinity and beyond. As a member of the United Nations and an influential actor within the organization, India plays a crucial role in navigating these interests while striving to maintain a balance between its strategic partnerships and its commitment to multilateralism.

Development needs of maritime communications

The primary objectives of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) are to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean region. While security in the Indo-Pacific involves a different alliance, the Indian Ocean region significantly influences operations in the broader Indo-Pacific area. This offers a unique opportunity to establish a strategic maritime relationship through IORA to address the diverse challenges and opportunities within the Indian Ocean. Therefore, the Indian Ocean region faces various complex issues in this regard. It is imperative that these challenges are met with a strong commitment to finding solutions through collaborative efforts. This involves engaging in activities related to investment promotion, maritime safety and security, trade and investment facilitation, fisheries management, disaster management, tourism and cultural exchanges, education, scientific and technological cooperation, and the blue economy. Actions have been proposed to ensure the sustainable development and well-being of the people in the region and beyond, with a particular focus on the economic empowerment of women.

Navigating between China and India – QUAD interest through Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)

The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) plays an important role in bridging the interests of the Quad countries (the US, Japan, India, and Australia) in the Indian Ocean region, especially in the context of China’s growing presence and influence. The Indian Ocean holds critical geopolitical significance due to its role as a major trade route, encompassing major global shipping lanes and critical chokepoints. It is also home to several important coastal states.

The Quad nations share concerns regarding China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region, including its naval expansion and military presence, as well as initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Their aim is to maintain a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, which aligns with their collective interests. IORA provides a platform for dialogue and cooperation among Indian Ocean littoral states, which includes China, India, Australia, and many other key players. This forum can be used for discussions on regional security, trade, economic development, and environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, IORA places a strong emphasis on economic and developmental cooperation, which contributes to addressing the economic aspects of regional stability. This cooperation aligns with the interests of all Quad countries in advancing economic prosperity and connectivity. The Indian Ocean Rim Association provides a diplomatic framework where member states, particularly India, can engage with other regional partners, including China, to foster economic growth, ensure security, and maintain peace in the Indian Ocean region. Balancing the interests of multiple countries is a delicate task, but through dialogue and cooperation within the EU, these issues can be navigated.

Future of Sri Lanka with IORA

As a developing country facing economic crises amid various challenges, Sri Lanka raises expectations from member countries and the world regarding the activities to be undertaken under the leadership of the multilateral organization, the Indian Ocean Rim Association. While Sri Lanka holds a central position within the maritime organization, it is essential to focus on activities that will define the leadership role of this organization, particularly in the context of significant geopolitical developments.

Arundhati Singh Tiwari & Arulnesan

[Arundhati Singh Tiwari is a master’s student of International Relations at South Asian University. Her research areas include Indian Foreign Policy, Strategic Cultures, Chinese Grand Strategy, and the politics of East and Southeast Asia. A disciple of Indian Classical Music, she also enjoys singing and playing musical instruments. To travel in her imagination, she prefers reading fiction.

Arulnesan holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations from South Asian University in India. He is interested in writing, creativity, and research. Arulnesan has written articles in various fields such as politics, society, education, mountains, and general issues, which he has published in newspapers and magazines. His passion for writing led him to receive the National Literature Award of Sri Lanka in 2018. He has been actively engaged in various activities and has earned diploma degrees in the fields of media, human rights, human resource management, Sinhala, psychology, Information Technology, and democracy for human rights. Currently, he is actively involved in social, educational, and political research work.]

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