On Wednesday, Indian Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar took a veiled dig at China, saying that sincere respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity remain the foundation for reviving the Indian Ocean as a strong community.
Jaishankar made the comments while addressing the 23rd meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers in Colombo on Wednesday.
My remarks to the press at the conclusion of the 23rd IORA Council of Ministers’ meeting. https://t.co/xAl6BIqZv6
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 11, 2023
Rules-Based International Order, Respecting UNCLOS
The Indian EAM highlighted the importance of a “multilateral rules-based international order” during his speech.
He highlighted the need to maintain the Indian Ocean as a free, open and inclusive space based on the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS).
Adopted in 1982, the UNCLOS lays down a comprehensive regime of law and order in the world’s oceans and seas, establishing rules governing all uses of the oceans and their resources.
Jaishankar also highlighted the burden of opaque and unsustainable debt generated by unviable projects as a challenge to the region, in an indirect reference to China, which is accused of engaging in unfeasible lending practices and pushing countries into “debt traps.”
Jaishankar’s comments come amid concerns around China’s increasing belligerence in the Indian Ocean Region and the recent “new standard map” released by China claiming territories of India and several other countries as its own.
India’s Role in the Indian Ocean
Jaishankar said India aims to develop an Indian Ocean community that is stable and prosperous, strong and resilient, and can “cooperate closely within and to respond to happenings beyond the ocean.”
He highlighted that India will continue building capacity and secure safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region as a first responder and a net security provider.
Calling India the “Vishwa Mitra” (world’s friend) and a “Voice of the Global South,” Jaishankar said New Delhi would work with IORA member states towards realising the true potential of the dynamic grouping.
A good session at the 23rd IORA Council of Ministers’ meeting today in Colombo. Thank hosts Sri Lanka for excellent arrangements.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 11, 2023
As Vice Chair, India’s priorities are clear:
➡️to develop an Indian Ocean community that is stable and prosperous, strong and resilient,
➡️ which… pic.twitter.com/ugMb9LNbrY
Challenges to IORA
Jaishankar remarked, “In the resurgence of Asia and global rebalancing, the Indian Ocean holds a central position.” In this respect, he noted that IORA plays a significant role in making the Indian Ocean more seamless and cooperative.
Jaishankar mentioned that developmental issues, lack of robust connectivity, threats to the social fabric posed by extremism and fundamentalism, dangers emanating from terrorism, natural disasters and climate change are the challenges the region faces.
IORA
IORA was founded in 1997 as a regional forum to foster mutual understanding and cooperation through a consensus-based, non-intrusive approach. The grouping consists of 23 member states and 11 Dialogue Partners, and it has its Secretariat in Cyber City, Ebene, Mauritius.
For 2023-25, Sri Lanka will succeed Bangladesh as the Chair, while India will assume the position of the Vice-Chair.