IOR-ARC Bangalore Declaration today

Representatives from 18 nations discussed issues pertaining to trade, industries, commerce, climate change, piracy, fishery, academics, cooperation in the fields of science and technology, cultural ties, tourism and exchange of expertise in areas of common interest.

Being one of the strongest economies of the rim, India chaired the meeting this year and would chair it next year, too. Foreign ministers of 17 out of 18 member-nations have already arrived in Bangalore to participate in the Bangalore Declaration.

Holistic approach
Addressing media persons on Monday, Sudhir Vyas, secretary (economic relations), ministry of external affairs, said the current summit was the 11th council of ministers, which would culminate on Tuesday.

“We discussed trade, academics, business prospects, investment, tourism and cultural engagement. The main feature of the meeting in Bangalore is that a holistic approach to the relation would start and a policy decision would be taken,” said Vyas.

There are many regional groups of nations in Indian Ocean like SAARC, ASEAN, GCC and so on, but IORR-ARC is the biggest among all such groups given the fact that it is ‘pan-Indian Ocean’, said Vyas.

Among the important decisions taken is tourism promotion and infrastructure.
Delegates of the member-countries also deliberated on academic studies in the areas of common interests like monsoon, meteorology, disaster management, fishing projects, oceanography, trade and economy, ecology, art and culture. A spurt in piracy in the Indian Ocean region too topped the discussions.

The Association comprises 18 nations namely India, Australia, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. China, Egypt, France, Japan and Britain are the dialogue partners of the IOR-ARC.