3 Review(s)

A variety of political priorities, economic necessities and changing strategic perspectives are the catalyst for the concept of the ‘Indo-Pacific’. This large maritime space combines the Indian and the Pacific Oceans and offers numerous positive spinoffs in the form of cooperative agendas in the region. Several IORA Member States individually have an evolved position on the Indo-Pacific. They see themselves as natural partners of the Indo-Pacific and firmly believe in enhancing politico-diplomatic, economic and strategic engagements with countries of Southeast Asia as also those in the Pacific region. They are committed to making the region inclusive, open, stable, secure, prosperous, and visualize a rule-based order for the Indo-Pacific. It is also their belief that the existing maritime cooperative mechanisms in the Indian Ocean are successful models of cooperation for the Indo-Pacific. At the regional level, the IORA Member States are focussed on enhancing maritime connectivity through development of ports and shipping and are augmenting digital connectivity for efficient supply chains. Maritime security and safetyis high on the agenda of the IORA Member States and common security concerns are being addressed through cooperative initiatives which are facilitated by dialogues that seek solutions for a favourable maritime environment in the Indian Ocean.