Context:

• The eighth Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) was held on February 16-17, 2025, in Muscat, Oman, organized by India Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman.

Key Points:

• Representatives from 20 countries, including India, Oman, Singapore, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Maldives, Myanmar, Seychelles, Mauritius, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Tanzania, participated in this conference.
• Conference Theme: "Towards a New Maritime Partnership"
• This conference serves as a key platform for discussing regional cooperation for security and development in the Indian Ocean region.
• Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar addressed the inaugural session, describing the Indian Ocean as a "Global Lifeline", emphasizing the need for collective efforts for regional development.
• Nepal's Foreign Minister, Dr. Rana Deuba, highlighted climate change as a priority and invited all high-level dignitaries to participate in the "Sagarmatha Dialogue", scheduled from May 16-18, 2025, in Kathmandu, under the theme "Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity."
• For the first time, China sent a special delegation to participate in the conference.
• Singapore's Foreign Minister, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, shared insights on maritime security and stability, stressing the need for collective efforts.
• Major Declarations: Discussions were held on maritime security, economic cooperation, disaster management, and regional stability, leading to consensus on enhancing cooperation in these areas.
• The first edition of the Indian Ocean Conference was held in Singapore in 2016, with representatives from 30 countries participating.

Major Countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR):

• South Asia: India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Pakistan
• Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore
• East Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, Mozambique, Madagascar
• Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE, Oman
• Australia & Island Nations: Australia, Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros

Strategic and Economic Importance of the Indian Ocean

(A) Strategic Importance:

• The Indian Ocean controls 80% of global maritime trade.
• The Strait of Malacca is one of the world's most crucial trade shipping routes.
• The Indian Ocean facilitates trade between Asia, Europe, and Africa.
• Navies of multiple countries (Indian Navy, US Navy, Chinese Navy, Royal Navy, etc.) maintain their presence in the region.

(B) Economic Importance:

• Fisheries Industry: The Indian Ocean plays a vital role in global marine fish production.
• Mineral & Gas Resources: The region is rich in oil, natural gas, diamonds, titanium, manganese, and cobalt.
• Tourism Industry: Countries like Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka are major hubs for marine tourism.