Indian Ocean Conference 2025

February 17, 2025

The 8th edition of the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) commenced in Muscat on February 16-17, 2025. This year’s theme is Voyage to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership. The conference aims to enhance inclusivity and encourage new partnerships within the maritime sector. It gathers participants from over 60 countries and international organisations. This reflects the strategic significance of the Indian Ocean region and the necessity for collaborative solutions.

Indian Ocean Conference Overview

The Indian Ocean Conference is an annual international platform.
Established in 2016, it promotes regional cooperation and addresses challenges in the Indian Ocean.
The IOC serves as forum for dialogue and cooperation among Indian Ocean nations and global powers.
The conference attracts heads of government, senior officials, private sector representatives, scholars, and experts.
Key topics include maritime security, economic development, environmental sustainability, and geopolitics.

Importance of the Indian Ocean Region

The Indian Ocean is the third-largest ocean globally, covering 70.56 million square kilometres.
It connects Asia, Africa, and Australia, historically serving as a vital trade corridor.
The region includes 26 coastal nations such as India, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.
The Indian Ocean facilitates 70% of global container traffic and 90% of India’s energy imports, making it crucial for international trade.
Additionally, it is resource-rich with fisheries, oil, and gas deposits.

Challenges Faced in the Region

The Indian Ocean Region faces various challenges. China’s expanding influence, through the String of Pearls strategy, poses stability risks.
Piracy, maritime crimes, and climate change threaten regional security.
Small island nations are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels.
Additionally, undersea surveillance and cyber threats, along with maritime terrorism and trafficking, remain persistent issues.

Future Directions for the Indian Ocean Region

Future efforts should focus on strengthening maritime infrastructure. Investment in port modernisation and naval expansion is essential. Enhancing regional cooperation through IORA and QUAD can boost maritime security. Promoting the Blue Economy and sustainable development is crucial for long-term viability. Finally, developing disaster preparedness and climate action plans will help mitigate future risks.

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