Why in the News?
Spain has formally joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, with Spain’s Foreign Minister handing over the Declaration of Accession to S. Jaishankar.
What is the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)?
- A non-treaty, voluntary, cooperative framework for maritime cooperation
- Focused on practical collaboration, not military alliances
- Applicable to like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific region
Aim of IPOI
- Promote a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific
- Address maritime challenges through cooperation and capacity building
- Balance security, development, and sustainability in maritime domains
Significance of Spain’s Accession
- Enhances global and European legitimacy of IPOI
- Reflects growing Europe Indo-Pacific engagement
- Strengthens India’s role as a net security provider and agenda-setter
- Promotes inclusive multilateralism amid rising great power rivalry
Prelims Pointers
- IPOI is not a treaty or alliance
- It is India-led, unlike QUAD which is minilateral
- Focuses on oceans governance, not territorial disputes
- Countries participate based on voluntary pillar leadership
| [2017] Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):
1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy 2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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