9th Indian Ocean Conference 2026: Collective Stewardship for Maritime Governance

9th Indian Ocean Conference 2026: Strengthening the Global Commons

The 9th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC 2026) was held in Port Louis, Mauritius, from April 10 to 12, 2026. Organized by the India Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (India) and the Government of Mauritius, the conference centered on the theme: “Collective Stewardship for Indian Ocean Governance.”

Addressing Strategic Chokepoints and Security

India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the urgent need to address physical and conceptual maritime chokepoints. With over 80% of global seaborne oil trade traversing the Indian Ocean, disruptions in nodes like the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Malacca pose severe threats to global energy security and economic stability.

Vision MAHASAGAR and Regional Cooperation

A central pillar of the discussions was India’s Vision MAHASAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). The conference served as a Track 1.5 diplomacy platform, bringing together over 40 countries, including littoral states, island nations, and strategic partners like the USA and Japan. Key focus areas included:

• Maritime Security: Enhancing surveillance and anti-piracy measures to ensure freedom of navigation.


• Blue Economy: Sustainable use of ocean resources, balancing development with marine biodiversity protection.


• Climate Resilience: Addressing the specific vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Seychelles and Mauritius.

Bilateral Milestones: India-Mauritius Partnership

On the sidelines, India and Mauritius inaugurated 11 High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) and launched the iGOT Karmayogi portal for Mauritian civil servants. India also announced the positioning of its first-ever Defence Attaché in Mauritius to further strengthen security ties.

For TNPSC and competitive exam aspirants, this conference is a vital update under "International Relations" and "India’s Maritime Strategy," reflecting the country's role as a 'net security provider' in the Indian Ocean Region.