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Q67 (IAS/2015) International Relations & Global Affairs › International Organisations & Groupings › Intergovernmental groupings Official Key

With reference to Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC), consider the following statements : 1. It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills. 2. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Explanation

Neither statement is correct.

**Statement 1 is incorrect:** The IOR-ARC (now IORA) was established[1] in March 1997[2], which is not "very recent" in the context of a 2015 question, and there is no evidence it was created specifically in response to piracy or oil spills. The concept was for socio-economic cooperation and other peaceful endeavours[3].

**Statement 2 is incorrect:** The Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) is aimed at economic rather than security cooperation[4]. It is the only pan Indian Ocean economic grouping, though in recent times it has begun to address maritime security issues[5]. This clearly shows it is not "meant for maritime security only" but is primarily an economic organization that has expanded to include some security concerns.

Therefore, the correct answer is option D - Neither 1 nor 2.

Sources
  1. [1] https://www.orfonline.org/research/india-africa-maritime-cooperation-the-case-of-western-indian-ocean
  2. [2] https://www.orfonline.org/research/towards-a-cohesive-maritime-security-architecture-in-the-indian-ocean
  3. [3] https://jurnalmaritim.tnial.mil.id/index.php/IMJ/article/download/80/59
  4. [4] https://www.clingendael.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/Geopolitics%20and%20Maritime%20Security%20in%20the%20Indian%20Ocean.pdf
  5. [5] https://www.ipcs.org/issue_briefs/issue_brief_pdf/1501-IPCSAnnual.pdf
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Full view
Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. With reference to Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC), consider the following statements : 1. It was establi…
At a glance
Origin: Books + Current Affairs Fairness: Low / Borderline fairness Books / CA: 3.3/10 · 6.7/10

This question punishes 'headline readers' who saw IORA discussing piracy in news but missed its 1997 economic birth certificate. The trap is conflating a body's *current agenda* (anti-piracy) with its *founding purpose* (economic). Always separate 'Why it was born' from 'What it does now'.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
When was the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) established?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"which was established in March, 1997."
Why this source?
  • Directly states the organisation and gives an exact establishment date (month and year).
  • Names IOR-ARC and explicitly ties it to the March 1997 founding.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"The IORA, created in 1997, serves as an important intergovernmental organisation"
Why this source?
  • Confirms the year of creation for IORA/IOR-ARC as 1997.
  • Supports the establishment year given in the primary supporting passage.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Response of the Bordering Countries > p. 73
Strength: 4/5
“The first conference of the Heads of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean was held at Cairo in 1964. Later, the Third Conference of the Non-aligned countries held at Lusaka (Zambia) in 1970 called upon all states to identify the Indian Ocean as a zone of peace.”
Why relevant

Notes an early pattern of Indian Ocean littoral states' meetings (first Heads conference in Cairo, 1964) and subsequent diplomatic framing (NAM calling the Ocean a 'zone of peace' in 1970).

How to extend

A student can use this chronology to see that formal cooperation evolved from conferences in the 1960s–70s to later institutional bodies, and thus look for a formal organization date later than these milestones.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Response of the Bordering Countries > p. 72
Strength: 3/5
“As stated at the outset, there are 47 littoral countries, 7 island countries and 13 landlocked countries in the Indian Ocean. All these countries are, historically, economically and culturally, associated with the Indian Ocean. Moreover, there are 13 landlocked countries which are also included into this ocean as their trade is carried on through the Indian Ocean. With the growing military build up and big power rivalries the littoral states are greatly concerned about their political stability and economic development. All the littoral states want the Indian Ocean to remain a 'zone of peace'. This is imperative considering the socio-”
Why relevant

Gives the scope of the Indian Ocean region (47 littoral, 7 island, 13 landlocked countries) and emphasizes littoral states' desire for regional cooperation and a 'zone of peace'.

How to extend

Knowing the large set of stakeholders, a student could infer the need for a formal multilateral body and search for when such a broad regional association was institutionalized.

Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 15: Tsunami > India's Preparedness > p. 195
Strength: 3/5
“• The Deep Ocean Assessment and Reporting System (DOARS) was set up in the Indian Ocean post-2004. The Indian government plans to set up a network with Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand etc.• A National Tsunami Early Warning Centre, which can detect earthquakes of more than 6 magnitude in the Indian Ocean, was inaugurated in 2007 in India. Set up by the Ministry of Earth Sciences in the Indian”
Why relevant

Describes post-2004 cooperative technical initiatives in the Indian Ocean (DOARS, 2007 tsunami early warning centre), showing a pattern of issue-driven regional institutionalization after crises.

How to extend

A student might compare such post-crisis institution-building dates with earlier organizational founding dates to judge whether IOR-ARC likely predates or follows these technical/regional initiatives.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > India and the Geopolitics of the Indian Ocean > p. 78
Strength: 2/5
“Thus Indian Ocean is termed "Oilline of India." Moreover, the bulk of Indian salt is also obtained from the Indian Ocean.• ♦ The potential tidal energy, especially along the Gulf of Khambat, is enormous.• ♦ India occupies an important geographical position is the central arc of the Indian Ocean.• ♦ India has significant economic and technical co-operation programmes in the littoral states of the Indian ocean. India has been providing technical training facilities, Indian expertise, and consultancy services to the countries around the Indian Ocean.”
Why relevant

Highlights India's long-term economic/technical cooperation programmes with littoral states, indicating sustained bilateral and regional engagement over decades.

How to extend

A student could use this to expect that a multilateral institutional form (like IOR-ARC) emerged as these cooperation patterns matured, and thus seek its founding date within the timeline of growing regional programmes.

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) > p. 550
Strength: 3/5
“• It is a regional economic forum of 21 countries on the Pacific Rim. It was established in ۰ 1989 and aims to promote inclusive growth, greater prosperity and free trade in the Asia-Pacific region.• It is headquartered in Singapore.”
Why relevant

Provides an example pattern: regional Pacific Rim institutions (APEC) were formally established in specific years (APEC in 1989), illustrating that regional forums commonly have clear founding dates in the late 20th century.

How to extend

A student can analogize and check late-20th-century founding dates for Indian Ocean regional bodies (e.g., searching records around the 1980s–1990s) to test the statement about IOR-ARC's establishment.

Statement 2
Was the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) established in response to piracy incidents and oil spills?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"he said, '... include the concept of Indian Ocean Rim for socio-economic cooperation and other peaceful endeavours.'"
Why this source?
  • States the initiative was started by Nelson Mandela and framed around socio-economic cooperation, indicating economic rather than incident-driven origins.
  • Implies the association was formed for peaceful and cooperative economic purposes, not as a reactive measure to piracy or oil spills.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"The Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) is aimed at economic rather than security cooperation"
Why this source?
  • Explicitly describes IOR-ARC as aimed at economic rather than security cooperation, directly contradicting the idea it was created in response to maritime incidents.
  • Positions maritime security forums (e.g., IONS) as the relevant responses to security threats, not IOR-ARC.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"The Indian Ocean Rim-Association of Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC), rechristened as Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), is the only pan Indian Ocean economic grouping ... In recent times it has begun to address maritime security issues."
Why this source?
  • Notes IOR-ARC (IORA) is a pan-Indian Ocean economic grouping and 'in recent times it has begun to address maritime security issues', implying security was not the original motive.
  • Supports that addressing piracy/oil spills came later, not as the founding purpose.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Fig. 16.16 Pirate Attacks in Indian Ocean > p. 80
Strength: 4/5
“The experts agree that piracy can be lynched ''not on the sea but on land'' i.e. by attacking all the vested interests and a long web of players involved in piracy industry as well as rebuilding the state of Somalia. The Association of South East Asian Nations, the SAARC countries and Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Co-operation can foster regional economic and technical cooperation. Moreover, India needs to strengthen its relation with the island countries like Seychelles, Comors, Zanzibar, as well as the east African countries and Yemen. Finally, India needs to deploy the full range of weapons to strengthen its Indian Ocean Region (IOR) identity.”
Why relevant

Explicitly names the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Co-operation as an actor that 'can foster regional economic and technical cooperation' in the context of piracy discussion.

How to extend

A student could infer that if IOR-ARC is described alongside anti-piracy cooperation, one should check its founding documents or timeline to see if piracy was a motivating concern.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Issue of Piracy > p. 78
Strength: 4/5
“In recent years, piracy in Indian Ocean has given a new significance to the geopolitics of the Indian Ocean. The attacks made by the pirates in the last two decades in Indian Ocean have been shown in (Fig. 16.16).”
Why relevant

States that piracy in the Indian Ocean 'has given a new significance to the geopolitics' and documents recent pirate attacks, implying piracy is a regional security driver.

How to extend

Combine this with the IOR-ARC being a regional body to assess whether rising piracy around the time of IOR-ARC's founding could have been a catalyst.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > Oil-Pollution > p. 25
Strength: 3/5
“It is difcult to generalise about the efects that concentrated release of oil and oil spill from a tanker, coastal storage, or will have in the marine environment. Te consequences of spill vary with its location and proximity to shore; with the quantity and composition of the oil; with the season of the year, ocean-currents, and weather conditions at the time of release; and with the composition and diversity of afected communities. Intertidal and shallow-water sub-tidal communities are most sensitive to the efects of an oil spill. Spills of crude oil are generally larger in volume and more frequent than spills of refned oil.”
Why relevant

Discusses oil spills' variable and serious environmental impacts, showing oil pollution is a notable marine problem requiring regional management.

How to extend

Knowing oil spills affect littoral states, a student could compare the timing of major spills with the IOR-ARC founding to see if environmental incidents prompted regional cooperation.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > 7. Trade Routes > p. 68
Strength: 4/5
“The Indian Ocean provides major sea routes connecting the Middle East, Africa, and East Asia with Europe and Americas. It carries particularly heavy traffic of petroleum and petroleum products from the oil-fields of the Persian Gulf and Indonesia. The Indian Ocean is far calmer and was thus, opened to trade earlier than the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.”
Why relevant

Emphasises the Indian Ocean's role as a major sea route carrying heavy petroleum traffic, highlighting regional vulnerability to oil-related incidents.

How to extend

Use this to reason that protection of shipping and oil routes is a plausible motive for regional institutions; check whether IOR-ARC's agenda includes maritime security or oil-spill response.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Response of the Bordering Countries > p. 72
Strength: 3/5
“As stated at the outset, there are 47 littoral countries, 7 island countries and 13 landlocked countries in the Indian Ocean. All these countries are, historically, economically and culturally, associated with the Indian Ocean. Moreover, there are 13 landlocked countries which are also included into this ocean as their trade is carried on through the Indian Ocean. With the growing military build up and big power rivalries the littoral states are greatly concerned about their political stability and economic development. All the littoral states want the Indian Ocean to remain a 'zone of peace'. This is imperative considering the socio-”
Why relevant

Notes littoral states' concern about political stability and desire for the Indian Ocean to remain a 'zone of peace', indicating broad regional incentives for cooperative bodies.

How to extend

A student could extend this by investigating whether IOR-ARC was framed as part of efforts to ensure stability from threats like piracy and pollution.

Statement 3
Is the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) solely an alliance for maritime security?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Fig. 16.16 Pirate Attacks in Indian Ocean > p. 80
Presence: 5/5
“The experts agree that piracy can be lynched ''not on the sea but on land'' i.e. by attacking all the vested interests and a long web of players involved in piracy industry as well as rebuilding the state of Somalia. The Association of South East Asian Nations, the SAARC countries and Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Co-operation can foster regional economic and technical cooperation. Moreover, India needs to strengthen its relation with the island countries like Seychelles, Comors, Zanzibar, as well as the east African countries and Yemen. Finally, India needs to deploy the full range of weapons to strengthen its Indian Ocean Region (IOR) identity.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly names the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Co-operation and states it can foster regional economic and technical cooperation.
  • Mentions piracy as a maritime issue but links the Association to broader regional cooperation, not only security.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > India and the Geopolitics of the Indian Ocean > p. 78
Presence: 4/5
“Thus Indian Ocean is termed "Oilline of India." Moreover, the bulk of Indian salt is also obtained from the Indian Ocean.• ♦ The potential tidal energy, especially along the Gulf of Khambat, is enormous.• ♦ India occupies an important geographical position is the central arc of the Indian Ocean.• ♦ India has significant economic and technical co-operation programmes in the littoral states of the Indian ocean. India has been providing technical training facilities, Indian expertise, and consultancy services to the countries around the Indian Ocean.”
Why this source?
  • Describes India's significant economic and technical cooperation programmes with littoral states of the Indian Ocean.
  • Shows institutional focus on technical training, consultancy and economic ties beyond purely military/security roles.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Fig. 16.15 China's Ring of Pearls in Indian Ocean > p. 77
Presence: 4/5
“There is a need to bring more economic cooperation among the littoral states so as to avoid their exploitation by the erstwhile colonial masters and the developed countries. A regional organisation like the Indian Ocean Community is the need of the day. The sooner it is done the better.”
Why this source?
  • Argues for bringing more economic cooperation among littoral states and for a regional organisation (Indian Ocean Community) to achieve that.
  • Implies regional bodies are intended to address economic development and avoid external exploitation, not only maritime security.
Pattern takeaway: UPSC frequently swaps the attributes of two similar bodies (IORA vs IONS) or narrows a broad mandate to a single issue ('security only'). If a statement reduces a complex multilateral body to a single reactive cause ('response to oil spills'), it is likely false.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Trap Question + Majid Husain (Ch 16). It baits you with the 'Piracy' buzzword (hot in 2011-2014) to mislabel an older economic body.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Indian Ocean Geopolitics & Regional Groupings (IORA vs IONS vs BIMSTEC).
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'Bio-data' of key ocean bodies: IORA (1997, Economic/Development), IONS (2008, Naval/Security), BIMSTEC (1997, Multi-sectoral), Indian Ocean Commission (1982, Island states). Know the 6 priority areas of IORA (e.g., Blue Economy, Disaster Risk).
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Decode the name. 'Association for Regional Cooperation' usually implies broad economic/technical ties (like SAARC). 'Alliance' implies military/security (like NATO). Do not let a specific news event (piracy) redefine the static nature of the organization.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Indian Ocean littoral states & early cooperative fora
💡 The insight

IOR-ARC is a cooperative forum among Indian Ocean littoral states; the references record early multilateral activity (e.g., first heads conference 1964) and the composition/concerns of littoral states.

UPSC often asks about regional groupings and their historical origins. Understanding the chronology of Indian Ocean cooperation (early conferences, evolving bodies) helps answer questions on institutional evolution, regional security and diplomacy. Prepare by mapping key conferences, member-types (littoral/island/landlocked) and their objectives from syllabus readings.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Response of the Bordering Countries > p. 73
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Response of the Bordering Countries > p. 72
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > India and the Geopolitics of the Indian Ocean > p. 78
🔗 Anchor: "When was the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) est..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Timeline of regional organisations (establishment years)
💡 The insight

The question asks an establishment date; references supply establishment years for other regional bodies (e.g., SAARC 1985, APEC 1989), illustrating the kind of factual timeline knowledge required.

Memorising establishment years of major regional bodies is high-yield for static GK and polity/IR questions in UPSC. It connects to comparative questions (which came first, institutional evolution) and helps eliminate distractors in MCQs. Use concise timelines/flashcards linking organisation, year, and core purpose for revision.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > GEOPOLITICS OF SOUTH ASIA > p. 60
  • Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Contemporary South Asia > Peace and Cooperation > p. 42
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) > p. 550
🔗 Anchor: "When was the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) est..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Objectives & modalities of regional cooperation
💡 The insight

IOR-ARC is a regional cooperation mechanism; references highlight common objectives of regional bodies (economic/technical cooperation, zone-of-peace concerns, training/assistance).

Questions often probe functions and objectives of regional organisations rather than just dates. Mastering common modalities (economic cooperation, technical assistance, security dialogues) enables answers on mandate, success/failure and India's role. Study by comparing mandates across organisations and noting recurring themes.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > India and the Geopolitics of the Indian Ocean > p. 78
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Response of the Bordering Countries > p. 72
  • Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Contemporary South Asia > Peace and Cooperation > p. 42
🔗 Anchor: "When was the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) est..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Piracy in the Indian Ocean and its geopolitical impact
💡 The insight

References describe rising piracy in the Indian Ocean and link the need for regional cooperation to address it, which is conceptually close to asking whether regional bodies were formed in response to piracy.

High-yield for UPSC sections on maritime security and geopolitics; it connects to India's naval strategy, regional institutions, and international law. Questions often ask causes, consequences and institutional responses to piracy — prepare by studying incident patterns, affected littoral states, and policy measures.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Issue of Piracy > p. 78
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Fig. 16.16 Pirate Attacks in Indian Ocean > p. 80
🔗 Anchor: "Was the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) establis..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Indian Ocean littoral states & the 'Zone of Peace' concept
💡 The insight

References note conferences of littoral states and appeals to identify the Indian Ocean as a 'zone of peace', linking regional diplomacy and institutional responses among coastal states.

Relevant for UPSC topics on regionalism, Non-Aligned Movement history, and diplomatic initiatives in the Indian Ocean; helps answer questions about origins and aims of regional groupings. Study timelines of conferences, resolutions, and major institutional outcomes.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Response of the Bordering Countries > p. 73
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Response of the Bordering Countries > p. 72
🔗 Anchor: "Was the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) establis..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Oil spills and marine environmental vulnerability
💡 The insight

An explicit reference describes consequences of oil spills and sensitivity of marine communities, which frames environmental drivers for regional cooperation in the maritime realm.

Important for environment and ecology portions of UPSC: links pollution impacts to policy responses, coastal management, and international environmental cooperation. Prepare by understanding oil spill impacts, affected habitats, and mitigation/response mechanisms.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > Oil-Pollution > p. 25
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > 3. Minerals > p. 67
🔗 Anchor: "Was the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) establis..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 IOR-ARC's multi-dimensional mandate (economic & technical cooperation)
💡 The insight

Reference [1] directly attributes economic and technical cooperation roles to the IOR-ARC, showing it is not solely a maritime-security alliance.

Regional organisations frequently appear in UPSC questions; understanding that bodies like IOR-ARC pursue economic, technical and political cooperation (not just security) helps answer questions on region-building, maritime policy and diplomatic strategy. Study official mandates, priority areas and examples of programmes; connect to India's bilateral outreach in the Indian Ocean.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Fig. 16.16 Pirate Attacks in Indian Ocean > p. 80
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > India and the Geopolitics of the Indian Ocean > p. 78
🔗 Anchor: "Is the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) solely an..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

The 'Indian Ocean Naval Symposium' (IONS), launched by India in 2008. This is the actual body focused purely on naval cooperation and security, often confused with IORA. Also, watch for the 'Blue Economy' declaration (2014) adopted by IORA.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Linguistic Hack: Statement 2 uses 'Alliance' and 'only'. 'Alliance' is a military term (NATO); IOR-ARC has 'Cooperation' in its name, which is diplomatic code for Trade/Economy. A 'Cooperation' body is almost never a 'Security Alliance only'. Also, 'very recently' in Statement 1 is a red flag; 1997 was 18 years prior to the exam.

🔗 Mains Connection

Connects to GS-2 (Groupings involving India) and GS-3 (Security - Role of external state/non-state actors). IORA is a key pillar of India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine, balancing China's String of Pearls.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

CDS-I · 2014 · Q12 Relevance score: 2.99

Consider the following statements regarding Indian Ocean Rim Association : 1. The 13th Council of Ministers Meeting of the Association was held in November 2013 in Perth. 2. India was elected Chair of the Association from 2013 to 2015. 3. There are twenty member nations in the Association. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

CDS-II · 2008 · Q70 Relevance score: 1.18

In which of the following International Organisations is India a member ? 1. Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation. 2. Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

IAS · 2007 · Q110 Relevance score: 0.82

Consider the following statements: 1. China has the observer’s status at the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. 2. India has the observer’s status at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

CDS-II · 2014 · Q113 Relevance score: 0.07

Consider the following statements about ‘Project Mausam’: 1. The Project was launched in June 2014 by the Ministry of External Affairs. 2. At the macro level, the project aims to re-connect and re-establish com- munications between countries of the Indian Ocean world, which would lead to an enhanced under- standing of cultural values and concerns; while at the micro level, the focus is on understanding national cultures in their regional maritime milieu. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

IAS · 2017 · Q68 Relevance score: -0.84

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 ?