Central Idea: The sixth edition of the International Indian Ocean Conference is scheduled to take place in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, starting from May 12. (Note: This should not be confused with Indian Ocean Commission.)

Indian Ocean Conference (IOC), 2023

• The IOC has been held annually since 2016 and has become a key platform for regional countries to discuss regional affairs.
• It focuses on fostering regional cooperation for Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), bringing together critical states and maritime partners in the region.

Theme:

• The theme of this year’s conference is “Peace, Prosperity, and Partnership for a Resilient Future,” focusing on the post-Covid situation and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Participants:

• The conference primarily targets coastal countries of the Indian Ocean but has expanded its scope to discuss important and relevant issues in the changing global context.
• Dignitaries attending the conference include the President of Mauritius, Vice President of Maldives, and the Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
• Foreign Ministers from Bhutan, Nepal, Bahrain, and Singapore, along with ministerial representatives from Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar, will also participate.
• Around 150 foreign guests, including representatives from D8, SAARC, and BIMSTEC, are expected to attend.

Organizers:

• The conference is being organized by the India Foundation in collaboration with the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Significance of the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC)

• The conference aims to strengthen partnerships with Indian Ocean countries, enhance regional political engagement, and facilitate decision-making in crisis situations.
• It provides an opportunity for participating countries to discuss ongoing global events and make informed decisions for future actions.

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