Sanjiv Ranjan, Secretary-General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), called for enhanced maritime security and adherence to international law in New Delhi.
These warnings come as rising concerns over shipping-route disruptions threaten global energy supplies and the stability of the region. Because the Indian Ocean serves as a primary artery for international trade and fuel, any instability in these waters can trigger economic shocks worldwide.
The call for security occurred during the 10th [1] Indian Ocean Dialogue. The event was held under the theme "Indian Ocean Region in a Transforming World" [2]. Ranjan said that threats to shipping routes jeopardize global energy security and regional stability [3].
India is currently playing a central role in the organization's leadership. The country will chair IORA for the 2025-27 term [4]. This leadership period coincides with a period of heightened geopolitical tension and a shifting security landscape in the surrounding waters.
Ranjan emphasized the need for strict adherence to international law to maintain order. He said that the cooperation between member states is essential to mitigate risks that could disrupt the flow of energy, and goods [3].
The dialogue in New Delhi served as a forum for member nations to discuss these transforming dynamics. The focus remained on how to secure the maritime commons against emerging threats, while ensuring the freedom of navigation for all nations [2].
“Threats to shipping routes jeopardize global energy security and regional stability.”
The emphasis on international law and maritime security reflects the growing strategic competition in the Indian Ocean. By securing the 2025-27 chairmanship, India is positioning itself as the primary stabilizer and security guarantor for a region critical to the global energy supply chain, attempting to balance economic growth with the need for a rules-based maritime order.
