May 21, 2025: India reaffirmed its commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable development at the 24th Meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers, held virtually and hosted by Sri Lanka under the theme “Sustainable Indian Ocean for Future Generation.”
Representing India, P Kumaran, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, led the delegation in his capacity as India’s current Vice-Chair of IORA and a member of the IORA Troika. He reiterated India’s vision for peace, prosperity, and security in the Indian Ocean Region.
The meeting saw the adoption of the ‘Colombo Communique’, which reflects the collective commitment of IORA Member States to enhancing regional cooperation and sustainable practices in the Indian Ocean. Ministers and high-level representatives from all 22 IORA Member States and 12 Dialogue Partners participated in wide-ranging discussions focused on regional security, economic collaboration, and sustainable development.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that India is set to assume the Chairship of IORA for the 2025–2027 term, further elevating its role in steering regional priorities and cooperation frameworks.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a post on X, shared that P Kumaran emphasized the importance of condemning terrorism in all its forms, particularly state-sponsored cross-border terrorism, which he described as a major threat to peace, security, and development in the region.
Kumaran, in his statement, highlighted that collaborative action and convergence on shared concerns are vital for the Indian Ocean Region’s collective future. He reaffirmed India’s enduring support for the well-being of the region’s nations, in line with its broader strategic vision.
The meeting underlined a strong consensus among member states on strengthening the IORA framework and enhancing practical cooperation in areas such as maritime safety, trade and investment, disaster risk management, blue economy, and climate resilience.