Alwaght- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Oman to join 8th Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) conference.
The conference, being held with the theme of "Voyage to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership", is attended by 27 foreign ministers and delegations from 45 countries.
The conference, initiated by India Foundation in 2016, started with the presence of 30 countries in Singapore.
Over the past 8 years, this conference has emerged as a distinctive assembly of consultation on regional issues for regional countries.
It tries to bring under a united platform the important countries and main maritime partners of the region to discuss boosting regional cooperation in security and business.
"This conference has become a calendar event not only in the region but also globally," India Foundation President Ram Madhav said on Wednesday.
The conference is also in line with Oman's Vision 2040, which envisages economic diversification, environmental sustainability and promotion of renewable energy.
The countries bordering the Indian Ocean, due to their geographical location, natural resources, trade routes and geopolitical importance, have extensive relations and cooperation in various fields. This cooperation includes economic, trade, security, energy and cultural dimensions. Iran, as one of the important countries in this region, also plays a key role in this cooperation.
The Indian Ocean countries work under various platforms, including:
- Indian Ocean Rim Association
- Agreement on Ports and Maritime Routes, which includes India, Iran, Oman, and Sri Lanka to facilitate business and transportation.
- Coalition of Maritime Security, which includes India, Australia, and France to protect maritime security through fighting piracy and smuggling.
Growing Indian Ocean significance in global competition
According to the theory of the American naval officer and historian, maritime supremacy in the Indian Ocean equals global influence. Today, the Indian Ocean is one of the world's key trade routes, with military activities in it also growing, and this makes it of strategic importance.
The vast expanse of the world's third largest ocean touches the shores of 26 countries. From the Persian Gulf to the Strait of Malacca, the Indian Ocean is the main artery of trade for many countries in the world, handling 70 percent of the world's container traffic. Even for many other landlocked countries such as Nepal and Bhutan, the Indian Ocean is a lifeline.
The importance of this region has led to competition between global superpowers to gain influence and presence in it. The US and Britain, with their bases in Diego Garcia and France with the island of Reunion, are currently active in the region. China is also investing heavily to expand its influence in the region, especially through the "Road and Belt Initiative" that has various strategic, geopolitical, political, economic and security dimensions.
This project has two land and sea routes: The sea route of this project, titled the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, will connect to the port of Venice in Europe after crossing the Indian Ocean. In response, the US proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) to connect India to Europe to compete with this megaproject.
Meanwhile, Iran, due to its strategic location in the northern Indian Ocean, plays an important role in ensuring energy security, transportation, and regional trade. Chabahar Port, as one of Iran’s most important commercial ports, has high potentials for expanding transit and economic cooperation in the region and has created a suitable ground in various dimensions for influencing relations between India and China and, consequently, developments in the Indian Ocean.
Given this geopolitical position, Iran was one of the founding members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association in 1997. The goal of this organization was to strive to expand the collective interests of member countries and play a role in the sustainable development and security of the Indian Ocean.
During over 2 decades of its life, IORA has managed to turn into an influential organization in the region in economy, security, and environment, with its members having increased to 23 and its dialogue partners to 12 from the initial 7 members.
Still, geopolitical and economic challenges invite for further cooperation among the member states.
Aims and significance of Araghchi's visit
With long coasts along the Indian Ocean, Iran is seeking economic and maritime relations development with the members states. Presence of Iran in this conference provides an opportunity to review ways of expanding trade, joint investment, and enhancing the maritime transportation infrastructures.
This visit shows Iran’s willingness to actively engage in regional and international equations and provides an opportunity to showcase Iran’s capabilities and capacities in various fields. Through Chabahar Port, as an important transit hub, Iran helps develop trade with India, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. It also has cooperation in the field of energy exports to India and other countries in the region.
On the sidelines of this summit, Araqchi will hold bilateral meetings with foreign ministers and other participating officials. These meetings could lead to improving Iran’s political, economic, and cultural relations with other member countries.
When it comes to security, Iran is also seeking cooperation with other countries to ensure maritime security, combat piracy, illegal fishing, and secure shipping lanes. As a dominant maritime power in the region, Iran plays a pivotal role in securing the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz and participates in regional security cooperation, such as joint naval exercises with China and Russia.
Discussions on the development of marine economy policies and coordination among coastal countries in the responsible use of ocean resources, including ecotourism, sustainable fisheries, and marine biotechnology, will also be on the agenda of the diplomatic delegations.
Presenting Iran's viewpoints in response to common challenges in the Indian Ocean like environmental changes, marine environment protection, and sustainable development are among other aims of Araghchi's visit.
In general, the visit of the top Iranian diplomat provides a precious opportunity to beef up regional cooperation, develop bilateral ties, and highlight Iran's influential role in protection of security and stability in the Indian Ocean.
