Lack of Political and Economic Integration Among Indian Ocean Rim Countries: Ranil Wickremesinghe
14-Mar-2026.
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed concern over the absence of structured political and economic integration among countries in the Indian Ocean region, particularly in a security environment that remains unstable and amid interventions by major powers.
Addressing the Synergia Foundation on “Indo-Regional Spheres,” he emphasised that, like the Atlantic and Pacific regions, Indian Ocean countries must remove trade barriers among themselves and operate with coordinated political alignment.
He further stated that countries outside the region, such as the United States and Israel, continue to engage in missile attacks on nations within the region, highlighting the existing lack of regional cohesion. Meanwhile, Iran has carried out missile and other attacks on member states in the Gulf, expanding the area of conflict beyond West Asia.
In a notable incident, an Iranian warship was sunk by a US submarine in waters critical for maritime security, demonstrating the vulnerability of regional nations in the absence of a coordinated response. Among the world’s three major oceanic regions, the Indian Ocean remains historically significant in terms of civilisation, trade, culture, and political interaction.
Unlike the Indian Ocean, the Atlantic has witnessed unprecedented political cooperation, trade growth, and military security coordination through structures like NATO, even though some countries remain outside such frameworks. Similarly, the Pacific region has developed strong trade and political collaboration over the past half-century, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and ongoing bilateral negotiations with the United States, China, Russia, and European countries.
Wickremesinghe pointed out that such close collaboration and bilateral dialogue do not exist in the Indian Ocean region, preventing the attainment of necessary integration. He suggested that heads of state should meet at least once every two years to discuss political matters, maritime security, trade, economic integration, fisheries, agriculture, and climate change.
Drawing a parallel with the African Union’s “Africa 2063” plan, he proposed a similar long-term strategic framework for the Indian Ocean region to enhance integration and cooperation.
He added that while discussions on economic integration exist, implementation remains lacking. He urged reducing trade barriers, upgrading ports and infrastructure, and promoting modern industrialisation in the region. Special attention must be given to fisheries, agriculture, and climate change, ensuring local resources are not exploited externally.
Wickremesinghe emphasised the importance of India-China relations, noting that by 2050, both countries will be among the world’s largest economies. He stressed that cooperation with East Asia, including China, and engagement with the United States and European countries with regional bases, is essential for security, political, and economic integration. Regular dialogue and structured regional frameworks are key to bringing the Indian Ocean region on par with other oceanic regions.
