This morning, Research and Information System for Developing Countries(RIS) and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) signed an MoU to institutionalize arrangements for greater academic cooperation in the region and other international economic and development issues. The MoU was signed in the presence of Gen. (Dr.) V.K. Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs, Government of India, by Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General, on behalf of RIS New Delhi and Ambassador K.V. Bhagirath, Secretary General on behalf of IORA Secretariat in Mauritius.
Speaking on this occasion, the Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs, Gen. Dr. V.K. Singh lauded the role of IORA and RIS for taking this important initiative, which would result in greater trade and economic cooperation between India and the member States of IORA.
The signing of MOU was followed by a panel discussion by subject scholars, eminent thinkers and researchers, foreign policy expert and others on Research Priorities for IOR Region
The MoU would strengthen academic collaboration between RIS and the 21 Member States of IORA to undertake joint research, policy dialogue and publications for national, regional and international fora and capacity-building.
The scope of collaborative endeavours between the two sides would, inter alia, includes Blue Economy; Trade and Investment Facilitation; Maritime Security; Indian Ocean Dialogue; other collaborative research projects; Capacity -building programs; joint conferences/seminars; exchange of research Faculty; knowledge sharing and dissemination through joint publications; and exchange of research publications.
The signing of the MoU with IORA Secretariat by RIS is in recognition of the fact that the RIS has made substantial contribution to IORA through a wide range of its studies on trade and economy for regional and economic integration and research projects.
The MoU would enable research scholars and other stakeholders of both sides to come up with innovative strategies and solutions for sustainable economic growth of the region and devise ways and means for the maintenance of peace and tranquility in the region for enhanced economic and energy security cooperation.
