The IORA Leaders’ Summit, held on 07 March 2017 in Jakarta, Indonesia, marked a historic moment of high-level political commitment to regional maritime security. Convened by the Government of Indonesia, the summit brought together Heads of State and Government from IORA Member States to chart a collective future for the Indian Ocean.

The central purpose of the summit was to secure top-level endorsement for strengthening cooperation on Maritime Safety and Security (MSS) as a cornerstone of regional stability and prosperity. Discussions at the highest political level emphasized the strategic importance of a peaceful, secure, and rules-based Indian Ocean for sustainable development and economic growth. Leaders recognized the interconnected nature of traditional and non-traditional maritime threats.

The landmark outcome was the adoption of the Jakarta Concord, a critical declaration that enshrines IORA’s commitment to promoting MSS in the region. This document provides unparalleled political mandate and strategic direction for all subsequent IORA maritime initiatives. The summit’s relevance is profound, as it elevated MSS to a core priority of the association, ensuring sustained high-level attention and resource allocation towards building a secure maritime commons for all member states.