Established in 1960 under UNESCO, Inter-governmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) is promoting marine scientific investigations, ocean services and capacity building in developing countries through the concerted efforts of the 124 member states. India is one of the Vice-Chairpersons of IOC. As Vice-Chairman, IOC, Secretary, DOD attended the meeting of Officers of IOC, held at Paris during 7- 9 septemebr, 1998. Secretary, DOD led the Indian delegation to the 31st Executive Council of IOC held at Paris during 17-27 November,1998. Being an advanced country in oceanographic research, India is a contributor to the cause of the international cooperation in oceanographic science and services. As Vice- Chairman, IOC, Secretary, DOD attended the meeting of Officers of IOC, held at Paris during 7-9 September, 1998.

The IOCINDIO is a regional body of IOC for the Central Indian Ocean. Secretary, DOD is the Chairman of IOCINDIO. IOCINDIO promotes marine scientific investigations and provides co-operation among the Member States relating to ocean research and services. IOCINDIO Regional Workshop on "Tropical Ocean and Climate" was held at Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore in November, 1998. As a part of regional cooperation between IOC nations, an Iranian scientist participated in the 18th Antarctic Expedition to undertake a collaborative experiment on Antarctic lake biology.