New Delhi: India has become an observer to the Djibouti Code of Conduct/ Jeddah Amendment, the instrument developed and adopted by countries in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden that has been a key factor in repressing piracy and armed robbery against ships operating in that region.
The development came after a high-level meeting of the Djibouti Code of Conduct/ Jeddah Amendment (DCOC/JA) held virtually on August 26, the ministry of external affairs said.
DCOC/JA is a grouping on maritime matters comprising 18 member states adjoining the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, the East coast of Africa and Island countries in the Indian Ocean Region.
Besides India, Japan, Norway, the UK and the US have joined as Observers to the DCOC/JA.
The DCOC, established in January 2009, is aimed at repression of piracy and armed robbery against ships in the Western Indian Ocean Region, the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.
As an Observer at the DCOC/JA, India looks forward to working together with DCOC/JA member states towards coordinating and contributing to enhanced maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, it added.
