What is IORA?

The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is an inter-governmental organisation formed in 1997 to foster regional economic cooperation. IORA has evolved into the peak regional group spanning the Indian Ocean. The IORA Secretariat is based in Mauritius and is headed by a fixed term Secretary-General.

IORA has 23 member states: Australia, Bangladesh, the Comoros, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

IORA has 12 dialogue partners: China, Egypt, European Union, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Australia is a founding IORA member and chaired the organisation between 2013 and 2015. Sri Lanka is the current Chair (2023-25). India, currently Vice-Chair, will succeed Sri Lanka as Chair (2025-27).

IORA became an observer to the UN General Assembly and the African Union in 2015.

Decisions made within IORA are reached by consensus and commitments are undertaken on a voluntary basis.

More information about IORA is available on IORA's official website.

Why is IORA important to Australia?

As a founding member state, Australia is a strong and active supporter of IORA as the premier ministerial-level forum for the Indian Ocean region. Strong regional architecture is important to reinforcing regional norms and effectively addressing shared challenges, including climate change and maritime security.