Cooperation between Russia and the Indian Ocean Rim Association

Purpose of the study: to identify the features of international cooperation between Russia and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in the field of maritime security. Methodology. The author, based on a wide range of the latest domestic and foreign sources, studies the political and legal foundations for Russia’s activities in the Indian Ocean region, and conducts a step-by-step analysis of the structure and priorities of the IORA activities. The main methodology of the study consists of systematic and comparative approaches, contributing to an objective and comprehensive analysis of international cooperation between the Russian Federation and IORA in the Indian Ocean region. Conclusions. It is shown that Russia, based on its accumulated experience with the multilateral regional systems, advocates the development of cooperation between the system of interstate interaction mechanisms formed in the Asia-Pacific region around ASEAN, and multilateral structures of the Indian Ocean zone. It has been revealed that Russia, like other IORA countries, sees the advantages of further developing maritime transport and navigation, coastal areas and tourism, sustainable fishing, the fight against marine pollution, and the joint study of ocean resources. Particular attention is paid to international cooperation projects in the field of the “blue economy”, which are carried out by the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation of the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, the state corporation Rosatom and IORA. Russia’s international cooperation with IORA will help expand Russia’s strategic presence and influence in the Indian Ocean.