The Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation today resolved to further deepen cooperation between the member countries to ensure sustained growth and balanced economic development of the region.

Speaking at the conclusion of the 12th IOR-ARC meet in Gurgaon today, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said, the United States has been included as the 6th Dialogue partner of the grouping consisting of Indian ocean rim countries. India the outgoing Chair also handed over the Group Chair position to Australia, which would host the 13th council of meeting. Mr. Khurshid also extended a warm welcome to Camados, the newest member of the IOR-ARC grouping.

In his opening session Indian had emphasised deeper economic ties region including maritime security . It also pitched for more robust cooperative regionalism emphasised the geo-strategic importance of the area. External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said, as focus of global economic growth shifts to Asia, the grouping will occupy even greater salience in India's strategic perspective.

Mr.Khurshid stressed that IOR-ARC should be strengthened to enable it to rise to expectations of the people of the region. The IOC-ARC grouping was set up in 1997 with the primary objective of promoting sustained growth and balanced development of the region and of its member states. The grouping presently has 20 member countries and six dialogue partners.