China-Indian Ocean Region Forum

Why in news?

• Recently, China held a meeting of the China-Indian Ocean Region Forum in which 19 countries took part but not India.

About China-Indian Ocean Region Forum:

• China-Indian Ocean Region Forum is organized by China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA)
• Participating countries: Indonesia, Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Afghanistan, Iran, Oman, South Africa, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius, Djibouti, and Australia.
• Australia and Maldives released statements stating that they did not participate officially.
• India was reportedly not invited.
• The forum issued a “Joint Press Statement” that noted China’s proposal to establish a marine disaster prevention and mitigation cooperation mechanism between China and countries in the Indian Ocean region.

India and China-Indian Ocean Region Forum:

• India has viewed China’s recent moves in the region suspiciously including the recent visit of a Chinese military tracking vessel, the Yuan Wang 5 to Sri Lanka.
• Moreover, India sees the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) as an already established platform for the region which has 23 members including Australia and Maldives with 10 dialogue partners which includes China, Japan, Russia, the U.K. and the U.S.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Consider the following statements regarding China-Indian Ocean Region Forum:

1. It is a partner organization of Indian Ocean Rim Association

2. India participated in its first meeting held in 2022.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer