The Indian Ocean Conference was started in 2016 by India Foundation in association with think tanks and institutions from the region, with participation from 30 countries. In the last 8 years, the Conference has emerged as the flagship forum for countries to discuss and deliberate on issues of mutual interest. The Conference endeavours to bring together critical states and principal maritime partners on a common platform to deliberate upon the prospects of regional coopera;on for Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). The participants include official representatives from countries, regional and international organizations, along with policy experts and academics. Over the years, the Conference has been addressed by over a 100 Ministers from 55 countries. Each edition of the Conference has been attended by over 400 delegates representing over 40 countries.

The 8th Indian Ocean Conference – IOC 2025 – was hosted by India Foundation in association with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman, along with the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Singapore in Muscat in February 2025. The theme for the Conference was “Voyages to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership” and was addressed by 28 Ministers from 26 Countries and heads of various multilateral organisations. Over 400 delegates from 45 countries attended the Conference in Muscat.

India Foundation, in association with the Government of Mauritius, will organise the 9th Indian Ocean Conference—IOC 2026—in Mauritius from April 10 to 12, 2026. Centered on the theme, “Collective Stewardship for Indian Ocean Governance,” IOC 2026 will bring together leaders, policymakers, and experts from across the Indian Ocean Region to deliberate on shared responsibilities, cooperative frameworks, and the future of regional governance.