Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)

Category: International Relations / Maritime Security

UPSC Notes

The Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative was launched by India in 2019 at the East Asia Summit in Bangkok. It promotes practical cooperation to support a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

The initiative builds on India's broader maritime outlook and its emphasis on cooperation with regional partners.

Key areas of cooperation

The initiative is structured around seven broad pillars:

  • Maritime security.

  • Maritime ecology.

  • Maritime resources.

  • Capacity building and resource sharing.

  • Disaster risk reduction and management.

  • Science, technology and academic cooperation.

  • Trade connectivity and maritime transport.

Key Pointers for UPSC

  • Launch: 2019.

  • Launched by: India.

  • Forum: East Asia Summit.

  • Nature: Cooperative regional initiative, not a military alliance.

  • Connect it with maritime security, freedom of navigation, disaster response and sustainable use of ocean resources.

  • Distinguish IPOI from ASEAN's separate Indo-Pacific Outlook.