Australia is an Indian Ocean country, with Perth our Indian Ocean capital. The region is essential to Australia’s security and prosperity. We have one of the Indian Ocean’s longest coastlines, the largest Search and Rescue Zone and the largest Exclusive Economic Zone. Australia is committed to promoting our vision for an open, stable and prosperous region and to playing our part in responding to shared challenges, including climate change and maritime security.

As a trading hub and economic highway spanning Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean is fundamental to maintaining open trade and energy security. The Indian Ocean region is also strategically significant. Australia has an interest in a region that operates according to international rules, norms and standards.

Australia is strengthening its engagement in the Indian Ocean region. We have established a High Commission in Maldives and Consulate-General in Bengaluru. We hosted the 2024 Indian Ocean Conference in Perth (9-10 February), in partnership with the India Foundation and Perth US-Asia Centre. We are working with regional partners to support their resilience, sovereignty and economic aspirations. We are strengthening our engagement with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), given the importance of regional architecture to tackling shared challenges.