Indian Ocean Commission

India has become observer of Indian Ocean Commission.

IOC  is intergovernmental organization created by the Port-Louis Declaration in 1982. IOC is only regional organization in Africa composed exclusively of islands, which brings together five-member states-

• The Union of the Comoros
• Réunion (French overseas territory)
• Madagascar
• Mauritius
• Seychelles

Mandate- To strengthen the ties and to support its member states in the path towards sustainable development.

Significance for India

• Western Indian Ocean (WIO) is a strategic part of the Indian Ocean linking the South eastern coast of Africa to the wider Indian Ocean and beyond. It is home to one of the key chokepoints in the Indian Ocean- the Mozambique Channel.
• India will get an official voice in the premier regional institution in the Western Indian Ocean, boosting engagement with islands in this part of the Indian Ocean. These island nations are increasingly important for India’s strategic outreach as part of its Indo-Pacific policy.
• It is also recognition of India’s growing capability and intent as a first responder for crisis in this region. E.g. During floods in Madagascar in January, 2020 India sent the INS Airavat with relief supplies to the country.
• With China’s growing presence in the region, this will embolden India’s position to increase its naval presence and gain support for its maritime projects across the Indo-Pacific.
• greater security cooperation with countries in East Africa. It lends depth to India’s SAGAR (security and growth for all in the region) policy unveiled in 2015
• Enhance engagement with France which is the strong global power in the Western Indian Ocean.