Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for stronger political, economic, and security cooperation among countries in the Indian Ocean region, warning that the lack of regional integration has left the area vulnerable amid rising geopolitical tensions.
In a video statement, Wickremesinghe pointed to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, noting that it highlights the region’s limited capacity for a coordinated response.
“We are witnessing the absence of integration in our region while two outside powers, the US and Israel, are bombing a state within the region,” he said, adding that Iran is also targeting Gulf states in the same waters.
Citing the sinking of an Iranian frigate by a US submarine in regional waters, he said the limited response demonstrates that “we are in a helpless situation.”
Wickremesinghe reflected on the historical significance of the Indian Ocean, describing it as “the oldest in civilizations and in the connections between different societies,” emphasizing its long-standing role in trade, culture, and political relations.
He contrasted this with stronger cooperation seen in regions such as the Atlantic and Pacific, where economic integration and political dialogue have advanced through institutions like NATO, APEC, and RCEP. “Without close cooperation and personal discussions, we cannot achieve the integration we need,” he said, proposing that regional heads of government meet at least once every two years to discuss issues including politics, maritime security, trade, economic integration, fisheries, agriculture, and climate change.
Highlighting economic challenges, he noted that members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) currently trade more with dialogue partners than with one another, stressing the need to reduce trade barriers, improve ports and logistics, and promote modern industrialization across the region.
On maritime security, he mentioned initiatives like the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium and the Colombo Security Conclave, noting that while these have improved security cooperation, greater attention should be given to the political dimension.
Wickremesinghe also emphasised the importance of addressing fisheries, agriculture, and climate change, stating, “We have to learn to feed ourselves and ensure our fisheries resources are not taken by outsiders.”
Looking ahead, he highlighted the growing global influence of India and China, saying their relations will have significant implications for Indian Ocean countries. “The largest economies by 2050 will be India and China. How they cooperate and compete will matter most to Indian Ocean nations,” he said.
He added that regional security and growth should be used to prepare a strategic plan for the Indian Ocean, while urging India, as the region’s largest nation and a leading economy, to take a leadership role.
Wickremesinghe concluded by urging regional states to continue dialogue and cooperation, while engaging more with East Asia, China, and the United States, emphasizing that sustained discussion is essential to achieving integration comparable to other oceanic regions.
