The challenges being faced, in the realm of maritime shipping, in the Indian Ocean are interconnected and need a collective response based on “cooperation, transparency and respect for international law”, said Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, at the tenth Indian Ocean Dialogue in New Delhi on Thursday (May 7, 2026).

The dialogue, a meeting of the 23-nation Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), was organised by the Ministry of External Affairs.

This year’s conference is overshadowed by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, and the double blockade of the Hormuz Strait that has affected trade, energy and fertilizer supplies of all Indian Ocean countries.

Mr. Sonowal, speaking to an audience of academics and officials, emphasised the need for cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. Senior representatives from UAE and Iran, two of the IORA countries mired in the West Asia conflict, were also present.

“The challenges we face are inter-connected and they demand a collective response rooted in cooperation, transparency and respect for international law,” he stated.

West Asia crisis

The Union Minister observed that the West Asia crisis had caused a “considerable stir in global affairs”.

“In today’s uncertain geopolitical environment, developments in regions such as West Asia highlight how quickly disruption can impact energy security, trade and supply chains,” he said.

“At the heart of these dynamics lies the Indian Ocean, whose growing vulnerability only reinforces its strategic importance and the need for greater cooperation and stability.”

As chair of the grouping, India will host the IORA Summit in 2027 and is expected to hold meetings of senior officials in June, and Foreign Ministers in November this year.

On Thursday (May 7), Mauritius’ Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful and Sanjiv Ranjan, Secretary-General of the IORA Secretariat, spoke about the challenges ahead of the grouping.

Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed is expected to deliver the valedictory address on Friday.