IOC 2026 promotes Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Governance

The 9th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) was officially launched yesterday evening in presence of several high dignitaries at the InterContinental Resort Mauritius in Balaclava. Mauritius is hosting this event in collaboration with the India Foundation under the theme Collective Stewardship in Indian Ocean Governance.

The Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam; the External Affairs Minister of India, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar; the President of the India Foundation, Dr Ram Madhav; as well as other Ministers and eminent personalities from several states bordering the Indian Ocean were present at the opening ceremony. The Foreign Minister of Oman, Mr Sayyid Badr Bin Hamad Bin Hamood Al Busaidi, also attended virtually.

In his address, Prime Minister Ramgoolam highlighted that the India Ocean region connects energy producers, manufacturing centres and major markets across continents, and has now transformed into a strategic zone. He underscored the need for ensuring that the Indian Ocean remains an area of cooperation rather than confrontation, which requires a shift of perspective, from individual positioning to regional awareness.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the way forward is to collectively advance peace and solidarity, as well as maritime security and stability in the Indian Ocean as freedom of navigation is the cornerstone of international law. Maritime security, he stated, involves the protection of ships, ports and critical sea lanes from piracy, terrorism and environmental disasters.

He moreover observed that the future stability of the Indian Ocean depends on whether the states that inhabit its shores recognise their shared interests and act with the confidence that comes from cooperation and strategic clarity.

For his part, Shri Jaishankar underlined that a full-blown conflict in the Middle East is today deeply impacting all nations of the Indian Ocean and that the spectrum of challenges has become wider and more seamless. He emphasised that no single Indian Ocean state can preserve and protect the maritime space alone as the complex challenges demand a shared commitment which is rooted in cooperation and transparency, and in respect for international law.

The idea of collective stewardship in this volatile era, stated External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, calls for moving beyond narrow calculations and embracing the broader vision of shared responsibility. The Indian Ocean, with all its promise and challenges, offers an opportunity to demonstrate what cooperation can actually achieve and Indian Ocean states can ensure a free, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean region by working together, he said.

As for Oman’s Foreign Minister, he reiterated his country’s determination to continue to work with its partners for prosperity. The Indian Ocean, he added, serves as a key channel for cooperation.

The President of the India Foundation, for his part, dwelt on the Middle East conflict, which is having regional and global consequences. He also rejoiced that the Conference may bring solutions for mitigating its effects on the Indian Ocean region.

IOC 2026 is being held from 10 to 12 April 2026 and conveys regional leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss shared responsibilities, collaborative frameworks and the future of governance across the Indian Ocean Region. It aims to strengthen dialogue and proactive consultations between Mauritius, the India Foundation and other states bordering or holding strategic interests in the Indian Ocean, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation and sustainable governance.

11 April 2026

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