Sanjiv Ranjan Appointed as Secretary General of Indian Ocean Rim Association

On December 30, 2024, the Ministry of External Affairs announced the appointment of Shri Sanjiv Ranjan as the next Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). A seasoned diplomat from the 1993 batch of the Indian Foreign Service, Shri Ranjan is set to assume his new role shortly.

About the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)

IORA is a regional organization comprising 23 member states, including India, Australia, Indonesia, and South Africa. The association aims to promote economic cooperation, sustainable development, and regional security among Indian Ocean bordering countries. It also has 12 dialogue partners, such as China, the European Union, and the United States. In 2015, IORA was granted observer status at both the United Nations General Assembly and the African Union, underscoring its growing influence in both regional and international affairs.

Shri Sanjiv Ranjan’s Diplomatic Career

Shri Ranjan has a distinguished career in diplomacy, with over three decades of experience in international relations and cooperation. He holds a B.A. (Honours) in Economics from Delhi University and an M.A. in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1993 and has since held various diplomatic positions, including:

• Embassies in Madrid and Lima: Served from 1995 to 2009, contributing to strengthening bilateral ties.
• Permanent Mission of India in New York: Engaged in multilateral diplomacy.
• Deputy High Commissioner of India to Mauritius (2006-2009): Enhanced regional cooperation.
• Director (North) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in 2009: Oversaw critical projects in India’s neighborhood.
• Joint Secretary in the Development Partnership Administration in 2012: Coordinated the third India-Africa Forum Summit held in New Delhi in 2015.
• Ambassador to Argentina (2016-2019): Also accredited to Uruguay and Paraguay.
• Ambassador to Colombia (2019-2022): Also accredited to Ecuador.
• Officer on Special Duty (Secretary Rank) in the MEA: Oversaw personnel, establishment, and e-governance.

Fluent in English, Hindi, and Spanish, Shri Ranjan is renowned for his diplomatic skills and commitment to fostering international partnerships.

IORA’s Role and Significance

IORA plays a pivotal role in promoting cooperation among Indian Ocean Rim Member States, Dialogue Partners, and other international stakeholders. The association focuses on key sectors such as trade, tourism, environmental sustainability, and fisheries, aiming to enhance regional collaboration and address common challenges.

Summary of the news

Why in News	Key Points
Sanjiv Ranjan Appointed Secretary General of IORA	– Shri Sanjiv Ranjan appointed as Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
Role and Experience	– Over 30 years of diplomatic experience.
IORA	– Regional organization of 23 member states, including India, Australia, Indonesia, South Africa.
IORA’s Focus Areas	– Economic cooperation, trade, security, sustainable development in Indian Ocean region.
Shri Ranjan’s Past Roles	– Ambassador to Argentina (2016-2019), Colombia (2019-2022).
Educational Background	– B.A. (Honours) Economics (Delhi University), M.A. International Relations (JNU).
Other Key Diplomatic Roles	– Served in Spain, Peru, Mauritius, and United Nations missions.
Languages Known	– Fluent in English, Hindi, Spanish.