Indian Ocean Commission Members: Facts About Indian Ocean Rim Association for UPSC
News about Indian Ocean Commission is trending these days and UPSC 2020 aspirants are taking extra interest in this because this might be a hot topic in the upcoming UPSC IAS exam. So, you know that this topic is trending but not sure what to study in it? Well, you have just landed in the right place.
Read on to know everything important about IOC, Indian Ocean Rim Association members and other important facts about IORA for UPSC.
What is IOC?
In 1982 in Port Louis, three countries Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles came together to build a region of peace and prosperity. The Indian Ocean Commission was officially institutionalized in 1984 upon signature of the Victoria agreement in Seychelles. The Indian Ocean Commission headquarter is based in Mauritius.
1n 1986, the Comores and reunion, a French overseas department signed the agreement for regional cooperation.
Indian Ocean Commission Members
Following are the IOC countries:
- Comoros
- Madagascar
- IOC headquarters- Mauritius
- Reunion
- Seychelles
IOC Observer Member Countries
Along with the 5 Indian Ocean Commission members, there are 7 IOC observer countries who are invited to the important meetings of the organization. These IOC observer counties maintain sustained communication in matters of common interest.
IOC Observer Countries
IOC observer countryDate of accession to observer statusPeople’s Republic of ChinaFebruary 2016.European UnionOctober 2017.International organization of FrancophonieMarch 2017Sovereign Order of MaltaMarch 2017India March 2020JapanMarch 2020United Nations OrganizationMarch 2020
Functions of IOC
- Reinforce peace in democracy
- Fight against illegal maritime fishing.
- Protect the environment
- Cope with natural disasters and climate change.
- Monitor epidemics.
- Enhance agricultural production.
- Develop trade.
- Overcome inequalities
- Give women their rightful place in society.
- Train and empower fisherman, doctors, entrepreneurs and lawyers.
- Provide IOC member countries with the necessary tools and information.
What is the Indian Ocean Rim Association?
Indian Ocean Rim Association or commonly known as IORA was previously known as the Indian Ocean Rim Association for regional cooperation. It was established in March 1997.
Indian Ocean Rim Association Members
Presently is the list of Indian Ocean Rim Association members, there are 22 countries.
Indian Ocean Rim Association Member CountriesDate of joiningAustraliaMarch 1997IndiaMarch 1997IndonesiaMarch 1997KenyaMarch 1997MadagascarMarch 1997MalaysiaMarch 1997MauritiusMarch 1997MozambiqueMarch 1997OmanMarch 1997SingaporeMarch 1997South AfricaMarch 1997Sri LankaMarch 1997TanzaniaMarch 1997YemenMarch 1997BangladeshMarch 1999IranMarch 1999ThailandMarch 1999United Arab EmiratesMarch 1999Seychelles November 2011Comoros November 2012Somalia October 2014Maldives2018
IORA Dialogue Partner States
IORA dialogue partners are not Indian Ocean Rim Association members but hold a special interest or capability to contribute to IORA in the areas of mutual interest. These states offer important support in the field of environmental issues, technology transfer, promotion of trade and investment, assistance to the special fund and technical cooperation.
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