The 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC 2025), themed "Voyage to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership," was held on 16-17 February 2025 in Muscat, Oman. Co-organized by the India Foundation, Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and India’s Ministry of External Affairs, this high-level forum brought together representatives from over 60 countries and international organizations.

IORA's participation at this significant gathering highlighted its central role in the region's maritime governance. The conference aimed to strengthen regional collaboration, enhance maritime security, promote economic growth, and support sustainable development. Discussions prominently featured the need for international alliances for marine conservation, regulations for green shipping, and collective action against piracy, illegal fishing, and resource exploitation.

By engaging in these discussions, IORA reinforced the imperative of a rules-based maritime order and the collective commitment to a secure, resilient, and sustainable Indian Ocean. The conference served as a powerful platform to align IORA's institutional objectives with the broader strategic visions of regional stakeholders, amplifying the association's call for unified action and partnership to address shared maritime challenges.