The Indian Ocean Dialogue (IOD-10), which took place in New Delhi from May 7 to 8, reaffirmed India’s dedication to fostering a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indian Ocean region. This commitment is shaped by the Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) policy and India’s Neighbourhood First approach. The theme for this edition was “Indian Ocean Region in a Transforming World.”

Organised by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in collaboration with the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) and the IORA Secretariat, the dialogue brought together senior officials, policymakers, scholars, and experts from the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) member states and dialogue partners. The primary aim was to engage in discussions regarding critical regional and global developments.

Inaugural Session Highlights

The event commenced with notable addresses from Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal; Mauritius Minister of Regional Integration and International Trade, Dhananjay Ramful; and Yemen Minister of State, Waleed Mohammed Al Qadimi. The speakers underscored the significance of enhanced cooperation, collective security, and sustainable development, given the changing geopolitical and economic landscapes confronting the region.

The MEA described this dialogue as a premier Track 1.5 forum for IORA that facilitates open discourse on pressing maritime security issues, the Blue Economy, trade and investment, and pathways to sustainable development. This format has allowed for constructive exchange of views on essential strategic concerns.

India has previously hosted several editions of the dialogue, starting with the inaugural session in Kerala in 2014, followed by the sixth edition in New Delhi in 2019, and the eighth edition held virtually in 2021. The ongoing IOD-10 is significant as India currently holds the IORA Chair for the period of 2025-27, marking an era of increased regional engagement.

Valedictory Session and Future Prospects

The valedictory session featured a special address from former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed. Additionally, Secretary (East) P Kumaran articulated India’s priorities in its role as IORA Chair and summarised key outcomes from the discussions held during the dialogue.

The MEA indicated that the discussions are anticipated to bolster ongoing efforts within IORA aimed at enhancing regional cooperation. This includes promoting security and shared prosperity across the Indian Ocean region. By revisiting and reinforcing these critical topics, the dialogue positions India as a key player in shaping the future dynamics of the Indian Ocean region.

As the dialogue concluded, India’s emphasis on strengthening regional cooperation and collaborative growth was reiterated. The approach aims to address the evolving challenges faced by the Indian Ocean region, ensuring that it remains a secure and prosperous area for all member states involved.

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