The IORA Outlook on the Indo-Pacific: building partnerships for mutual cooperation and sustainable development

Abstract

The Indo-Pacific (IP) has grown in strategic importance and reflects the geo-political / geo-economic significance of the Indian and Pacific Oceans in shaping the emerging Global Order. It has also emerged as the theatre of great power competition and contestation. The IP can also be a major opportunity in forging peace, security and fostering partnerships for co-operation in addressing sustainable development in the region for mutual benefit. Over a dozen countries have articulated position papers on the IP. Regional powers, emerging and traditional, as well as key regional organisations, viz., ASEAN, the EU, and most recently IORA have outlined their positions on the IP. This paper will provide an analysis of the IORA IP Outlook, and possible strategic partnerships and cooperation programmes that the IORA could consider with its Member States and Dialogue Partners, as well as Regional Organisations that have articulated position papers on the IP.