GS Paper II

News Excerpt

The 7th Indian Ocean Conference was recently held in Perth, Australia, which brought together leaders, ministers, and officials from Indian Ocean rim countries to discuss the diverse issues.

More details on the news:

• The 7th edition of the Conference was organised by India Foundation in association with the Ministry of External Affairs and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
• The theme of the conference is "Towards a Stable and Sustainable Indian Ocean" 

Indian Ocean Conference (IOC)

• Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) is an annual event with over 300 delegates from 22 countries including ministers, political leaders, diplomats, strategic thinkers, academics, and media.
• Over the years the Conference has emerged as the flagship consultative forum for countries in the region. 
• The Conference endeavours to bring critical states and principal maritime partners of the region together on a common platform to deliberate upon the prospects of regional cooperation for Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
• The 6th Indian Ocean Conference 2023 was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Indian Ocean region: Challenges and solutions as per the Minister of External Affairs of India

Challenges:

• Maritime Security Challenges: The challenges include conflicts, threats to maritime traffic, piracy, and terrorism at one extremity, while challenges to international law, concerns about freedom of navigation, and safeguarding sovereignty and independence exist at the other. 
• Trans-national and Non-traditional Threats: Trans-national and non-traditional threats, visible in interconnected illegal activities, contribute to instability. 
• Grey Areas and Environmental Concerns: Grey areas, stemming from climate change and natural disasters, present additional concerns. 
• Financial and Strategic Ambiguities: Distant crises such as fuel, food, and fertilizer shortages, manipulated "normalcy," unsustainable debt, opaque lending practices, and dual-purpose agendas also contribute to the complex landscape. 
•  Globalization Structural Challenges: Structural challenges of globalization, including over-concentrations of manufacturing and technology, supply-side risks, and leveraging possibilities, further complicate the region's stability. 

Solutions:

• Enhanced Consultation and Cooperation: Fostering greater consultation and cooperation among states is imperative, utilizing existing mechanisms like the Indian Ocean Rim Association and Indo-Pacific initiatives. 
• Awareness and Understanding of Threats: Heightened awareness and understanding of trans-national threats, including climate change and dual-purpose agendas, are vital. 
• Strengthening Regional Forums and Initiatives: Strengthening regional forums like BIMSTEC, the Quad, and initiatives such as the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative is essential for collective security.
• Sustainable Development and Maritime Safety:  Prioritizing sustainable development, addressing maritime safety, piracy, and Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and reinforcing regional organizations like Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)  are critical steps toward achieving a stable and sustainable Indian Ocean.

Conclusion

Thus, the collective efforts discussed at the 7th Indian Ocean Conference, including enhanced cooperation, heightened awareness, and sustainable development, provide a positive outlook for fostering stability and growth in the Indian Ocean region.