India to Convene Indian Ocean Foreign Ministers Amid Energy and Shipping Concerns

NEW DELHI — India is set to host a meeting of foreign ministers from Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) member countries later this month, as concerns grow over energy supplies and disruptions to maritime trade linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The meeting is expected to bring together representatives from several strategically important countries, including Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, South Africa, Mauritius and Indonesia. India, which assumed the chairmanship of IORA in November 2025 for the 2025–2027 term, will lead the discussions.

Energy security, uninterrupted commercial shipping and the stability of regional supply chains are expected to be among the central issues on the agenda. Particular attention is likely to be given to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas shipments, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, an important passage connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Any disruption to these waterways can affect the movement of fuel, essential goods and other commercial cargo, with consequences for countries that depend on maritime trade. The meeting will provide an opportunity for Indian Ocean countries to discuss ways of maintaining freedom of navigation and strengthening cooperation in response to these challenges.

The ministerial gathering will also contribute to preparations for the IORA summit that India plans to host in 2027. Established in 1997, the association brings together countries bordering the Indian Ocean to promote regional cooperation in areas including trade, investment, maritime safety and security, and sustainable development. India's chairmanship provides an opportunity to advance discussions on shared regional priorities and strengthen coordination among member countries. The upcoming meeting is therefore expected to address both immediate concerns over energy and trade disruptions and longer-term cooperation across the Indian Ocean region.