IORA Dialogue gathers ministers, diplomats and experts for two‑day discussions in Delhi

Under the theme “Indian Ocean Region in a Changing World”, the 10th Indian Ocean Dialogue began in New Delhi on Thursday.

India currently holds the presidency of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) until 2027.

The forum was inaugurated by India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. Mauritius’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alan Ganoo, addressed the opening through his representative Dhananjay Ramful, while Yemen was represented by Minister of State Waleed Mohamed Mohamed Al-Qudaimi Al-Qadeemi.

The dialogue focuses on key regional priorities, including maritime safety and security, the blue economy, climate resilience, and strengthening cooperation among Indian Ocean countries.

These areas align with India’s priority goals of Innovation, Openness, Persistence and Familiarity under its IORA chairmanship.

Maldives is represented at the meeting by High Commissioner to India Aishath Azeema.

High Commissioner Azeema @MdvHCIndia attends the 10th Indian Ocean Dialogue, a flagship initiative of the Indian Ocean Rim Association, on the theme of “Indian Ocean Region in a Transforming World” held in New Delhi on 07–08 May 2026. The Dialogue is jointly hosted by the… pic.twitter.com/Q78oTh5rVR

— Maldives in India (@MDVinINDIA) May 7, 2026

Former President Mohamed Nasheed is also attending the high‑level discussions. The two‑day dialogue, which concludes on Friday, is a flagship IORA event jointly organised by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA).

The third session of the forum, held under the theme “Disaster Management”, was addressed by Mohamed Hoodh Ibrahim, Vice President of the Disaster Risk Reduction Council (DRC). Invited by the Government of India and ICWA, Hoodh highlighted the perspectives of small states on disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and the humanitarian implications of climate‑driven emergencies. His intervention formed part of IORA’s Track 1.5 initiative.

The forum serves as an important platform for policymakers, diplomats and experts to discuss shared challenges in the Indian Ocean region and to strengthen regional cooperation.