INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
eight-fold increase in the GDP of countries like India and Indonesia by 2050.Existing channels like the Suez Canal may not be adequate,
necessitating new initiatives
Chongqing-Kyaukphyu corridor, aim to address this demand.Additionally, plans for the Kra land bridge by Thailand and the feasibility studies
for land connectivity between India and Sri Lanka underscore efforts to establish Sri Lanka as a Regional Logistics Hub, facilitating trade
with South India.President Wickremesinghe the historical significance of Perth in Sri Lanka-Australia relations, particularly during World
War II when Royal Canadian Air Force Catalina Flying Boats established a crucial air link between Perth and Koggala Air Base in Ceylon,
facilitating vital communication for the Allies.He emphasized the importance of the Indian Ocean, especially in light of historical events
such as the Japanese attacks on Ceylon in 1942, which Winston Churchill described as a critical moment in the war
He discussed the multipolarity of the Indian Ocean region, shaped by events like the Bandung Conference in 1955, and the subsequent
Non-Aligned Movement, which opposed big power rivalry.The speech outlined various diplomatic frameworks and groupings that have emerged in
the Indian Ocean region, including IORA, Indo-Pacific, BRI, QUAD, and BRICS, along with the increased militarization by several countries,
leading to a complex geopolitical landscape.Wickremesinghe also highlighted the growing strategic importance of the Western Indian Ocean,
particularly in light of geopolitical shifts and the influence of major powers like Russia, China, and Iran.He addressed challenges such as
attacks on commercial vessels by Houthi rebels, piracy, and threats to freedom of navigation, emphasizing the need for collective action to
address these issues.Wickremesinghe went on to discuss the importance of connectivity initiatives for future economic growth, particularly
in light of projected increases in GDP for countries like India and Indonesia by 2050.Furthermore, the Sri Lankan leader emphasized the
He proposed initiatives such as the Tropical Belt Initiative and the International Climate Change University to mitigate the effects of
climate change and ensure climate justice for vulnerable countries.In conclusion, Wickremesinghe called for unity among Indian Ocean Rim
countries to address shared challenges and create a safer, more sustainable ocean environment
He advocated for the development of an overarching regional architecture for the Indian Ocean, emphasizing the responsibility of IORA
Government, along with support from the S
Subramanian Jaishankar also attended the event.The Indian Ocean Conference aims to foster cooperation among 40 participating nations
future.Sri Lanka previously hosted the second edition of the IOC in 2017, under the patronage of Wickremesinghe, who was the then-Prime
