BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

INDIAN OCEAN RIM ASSOCIATION (IORA) AT 20: AN ASSESSMENT

Author: Moutusi Islam

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/10.56888/BIISSj2017v38n2a4

ABSTRACT

The paper attempts to assess the performance of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in the last 20 years since its birth in 1997 and foresees future challenges and opportunities for member states including Bangladesh. As a bridge between Asia and Europe, the Indian Ocean has become the new centre of global strategic and economic salience. IORA is the prime regional organisation devoted to the governance of this area. Despite its relative success, the potentials of IORA are believed to be remarkable. The organisation has provided a platform for cooperation in the areas of maritime safety and security, trade and investment facilitation, fisheries management, disaster risk management, academic, science and technology cooperation, tourism and cultural exchanges and blue economy, etc. Moreover, IORA has immense potential to become an effective regional forum, as observed in its 2017 Leaders’ Summit. However, the paper argues that vast area and diversity of the region, presence of numerous sub-regional and regional groupings, absence of influential leaders, exclusion of potential member states and lack of resources are some of the key challenges for IORA to become an effective regional organisation. At the end, the analysis exhibits some ways to strengthen IORA, i.e., increasing the role of major powers of the Indian Ocean littorals, creating a distinct identity, engaging the dialogue partners and greater grassroots involvement.