The Ministry of External Affairs has announced that Sanjiv Ranjan, a distinguished Indian Foreign Service Officer of the 1993 batch, will take over as the next Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). His appointment, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), is set to begin on January 1, 2025, and extend for a period of three years.
Who is Sanjiv Ranjan?
Currently serving as an Officer on Special Duty at the Ministry of External Affairs, Sanjiv Ranjan brings decades of diplomatic experience to his new role. He will lead IORA’s Secretariat based in Mauritius, steering the organization’s mission to promote regional economic cooperation.
The ACC’s office memorandum stated, “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal… enabling Shri Sanjiv Ranjan to take up the foreign assignment as Secretary General, Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Secretariat, Mauritius, for three years.”
About IORA
The Indian Ocean Rim Association, established in 1997, serves as a platform for fostering economic cooperation among nations bordering the Indian Ocean.
- Member States: IORA comprises 23 countries, including India, Australia, France, Indonesia, South Africa, and the UAE.
- Dialogue Partners: It collaborates with 12 dialogue partners, such as China, Japan, the UK, and the US.
- Observer Status: Since 2015, IORA has been an observer at the UN General Assembly and the African Union.
The Secretariat, headquartered in Mauritius, is led by a Secretary General appointed for a fixed term.
India’s Role in IORA
India has been a key member of IORA, contributing actively to its initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development, maritime security, and economic collaboration across the region.
As the new Secretary General, Sanjiv Ranjan will oversee the implementation of these goals while ensuring closer ties among member states and dialogue partners.
