The Indian External Affairs Minister was present at the 8th indian ocean conference

Thirty countries participated in the Indian Ocean Conference, which was initiated by the India Foundation in Singapore in 2016.

It has become a leading consultative forum for nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) to discuss regional cooperation for Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and regional affairs.

The IOR and India's Role

• India plays the role of a first responder by stabilizing economies that are under stress, like Sri Lanka, and by promptly delivering aid during emergencies and conflicts by supplying necessities like fuel, fertilizer, vaccines, and medications.
• To improve connectivity, India is spearheading important regional projects like the IMEC, IMTT, and INSTC.
• Concentrating on collaboration in disaster management and maritime security via the International Maritime Fusion Center, Quad, ReCAAP Center in Singapore, White Shipping Agreements, etc.
• The Gulf of Aden and the Northern Arabian Sea.
• India imports 90% of its energy, 80% of its external trade, and depends heavily on the Indian Ocean for tourism and fishing.
• The Suez Canal, Bab el-Mandeb, the Strait of Hormuz, the Strait of Malacca, and other vital maritime chokepoints are under India's considerable control due to its central location in the Indian Ocean Rim.