India accepted as observer in Indian Ocean Commision

The Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) group has approved India’s application for observer state in the group. The decision was taken at the meeting of the IOC Conference of ministers in Seychelles on March 6, 2020 making India the fifth observer. With this decision, India will join China, which was made an observer in 2016, as well as the “International Organisation of the Francophonie” or the 54-nation French-speaking collective, the European Union (EU) and Malta, which were all admitted in 2017.

About Indian Ocean Commission

• The Indian Ocean Commission was created in 1982 at Port Louis, Mauritius, and later institutionalised in 1984.
• The Indian Ocean Commission is a five-nation group which includes Madagascar, Comoros, Seychelles, Mauritius and French Reunion.
• The IOC is a significant for its geographical location, as the islands sit around a “key choke-point” in the Indian Ocean — the Mozambique Channel. This channel is being watched more closely as the U.S.-Iran tensions threaten the Strait of Hormuz.

Highlights

• It is important for India to join as an observer at the Commission because, it will help India in expanding its plans in Western Indian Ocean. The Western Indian Ocean strategically connects South Eastern Coast of Africa. However, this move is not connected with the Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean. This is purely to support India interests in the western flanks of the Indo-Pacific region.
• The move will also support India in its SAGAR (Security and Growth for all in the Region) policy. In the last two years, India has made several high-level visits and signed significant defence agreements with the member countries of Indian Ocean Commission.

Importance for India

• India has decided to join this organization keeping in mind its multi-faceted importance. This would ensure India’s official access to this major regional commission in the western Indian Ocean.
• This commission will promote India’s connectivity with the islands of the western Indian Ocean.
• India is currently strengthening its position in the Indo-Pacific region, so these island nations are important for India’s strategic outreach in the Indo-Pacific region.
• This step will intensify relations with France as France has a strong presence in the western Indian Ocean.
• This is the ‘Sagar Initiative’ of India; The SAGAR- Security and Growth for All in the Region strengthens the policy for all in the region.
• This step will also play an important role in security cooperation with East Africa.

PAPER-I