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ABSTRACT
The Indo-Pacific (IP) has grown in strategic importance and reflects the geo-political / geo-economic significance of the Indian and Pacific Oceans in shaping the emerging Global Order. It has also emerged as the theatre of great power competition and contestation. The IP can also be a major opportunity in forging peace, security and fostering partnerships for co-operation in addressing sustainable development in the region for mutual benefit. Over a dozen countries have articulated position papers on the IP. Regional powers, emerging and traditional, as well as key regional organisations, viz., ASEAN, the EU, and most recently IORA have outlined their positions on the IP. This paper will provide an analysis of the IORA IP Outlook, and possible strategic partnerships and cooperation programmes that the IORA could consider with its Member States and Dialogue Partners, as well as Regional Organisations that have articulated position papers on the IP.
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Anil Sooklal
Anil Sooklal is the Ambassador-at-Large: Asia and BRICS at the department of international relations and cooperation (DIRCO), and South Africa's Sherpa for BRICS as well as IBSA Sherpa and Focal Point for the Indian Ocean Rim Association. He holds a Ph.D in Oriental History and Phil.D in religious studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Ambassador Sooklal served as Deputy Director-General: Asia and Middle East in DIRCO until 31 January 2022 during his career also served as South Africa's G20 Sherpa Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium, and Luxembourg, and completed diplomatic assignments in Geneva and New Delhi.