With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, Consider the following statements:

1. It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills.

2. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only.

Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is Neither 1 nor 2.

Explanation of Statement 1:
The Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC), currently known as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), was established on March 7, 1997. It originated from an initiative discussed in Mauritius in 1995 and was formally launched in 1997. Therefore, the assertion that it was established "very recently" is factually incorrect.
Moreover, its establishment was not a reaction to piracy and oil spills; rather, it was formed to build a platform for regional cooperation, economic integration, and sustainable development among the countries bordering the Indian Ocean.

Explanation of Statement 2:
IORA is not a military alliance, nor is it focused solely on maritime security. It is a multilateral regional forum designed to foster cooperation across a diverse range of areas. The association currently focuses on several priority pillars, which include:
1. Maritime Safety and Security
2. Trade and Investment Facilitation
3. Fisheries Management
4. Disaster Risk Management
5. Academic, Scientific, and Technological Cooperation
6. Tourism and Cultural Exchanges
7. Blue Economy
8. Women's Economic Empowerment
Because the scope of the association covers broad socio-economic development, academic exchange, and trade, Statement 2 is incorrect.

Since both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are incorrect, the correct option is Neither 1 nor 2.