9th Indian Ocean Conference – IOC 2026

(Text of Dr Ram Madhav’s Curtain Raiser Address at the Inaugural Session of the 9th Indian Ocean Conference – IOC 2026 – in Mauritius on April 10-12, 2026.)

Namaskar and Good Evening!

It gives me immense pleasure to invite you to the 9th edition of the Indian Ocean Conference here in Mauritius. This conference is taking place under extraordinary circumstances. There is an ongoing conflict, with an uncertain diplomatic pause, in our neighbourhood at this moment.

The conflict is limited to just three countries. But its consequences are being felt by almost all countries in the world. Economy, trade and travel have been severely impacted in our region and beyond. There are many important lessons that the current situation teaches us.

One, no conflicts are local. All conflicts will have regional and global consequences.

Two, we have entered the age of middle powers and multipolarity as against unipolar or bipolar superpower geopolitics.

Three, and most important, all geopolitics of the future will be regional.

We, the nations assembled here, belong to the Indian Ocean Region. It is the most happening region in the world today. The Indian Ocean Region has emerged in this century as the global power axis.

40 percent of global bulk container traffic and 70 percent of world’s energy trade passes through this region. This region is home to 3 of the top 5 economics in the world. Incidentally, 3 of the 5 largest militaries are also situated here.

We long prided over peace and freedom that prevailed in our region. But, sadly today, we realise that this tranquil region is turning into a volatile one. Where there is volatility, there there is always room for big power intervention and politics. There is a need to be conscious of that danger.

The Indian Ocean Conference is a platform intended to catalyse regional cooperation for the peaceful management of this region.

Through the series of annual conferences of foreign ministers of the regional countries, we intended to strengthen the idea that the present and future of the region – political, economic, environmental, and security – must primarily be managed by the countries here, with support from the powers beyond where necessary.

The big question is: Are we ready to shoulder the responsibility of building a peaceful, free and prosperous Indian Ocean?

Friends!

We are extremely grateful to H E Navin Ramgoolam, Hon’ble Prime Minister of Mauritius and his able colleagues for hosting this conference in such a fabulous manner. Hon’ble PM is an elderly and one of the most respected statesmen in the region and his leadership is important for regional peace and stability.

H E Dr Jaishankar, EAM of India is a household name in the strategic and diplomatic world. He has been an integral part of this vision and initiative. We are ever grateful to him for his leadership and support.

H E Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, the foreign minister of Oman, who is playing a critical role at the moment in trying to secure peace in West Asia and the Middle East, has also been integral to this initiative. His presence in person is missed due to understandable regional situation. But he is joining us virtually from Oman. We are thankful for his interest and involvement.

H E Vivian Balakrishnan, FM of Singapore too has been an important leader of the initiative right from its first conference in 2016 hosted by him at Singapore. We miss him this year but grateful for his support.

Last but not the least, we wish to convey whole hearted appreciation to H E Dhananjay Ramful, Foreign Minister of Mauritius for the graceful conduct of the conference by leading from the front.

Ladies and gentleman!

Over the next two days, ministers and other senior leaders from over 25 countries will address this conference, which is being attended by more than 200 delegates from 33 countries. I welcome each one of you to this most important calender event of the year in our region.

We are aware of the difficulties some of you faced in managing travel and other logistics. Some could not make it due to the prevailing situation in the region. We thank each one of you for joining us in this conference despite difficulties.

Thank you ladies and gentlemen!