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 statements given above is/are correct?

Let's evaluate the statements regarding the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC), now known as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA): 1. It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills. This statement is incorrect. IORA was established in March 1997, which is not 'very recently' from a historical perspective. While maritime security, including issues like piracy and oil spills, is one of its areas of focus, the association was formed with broader objectives of promoting regional cooperation and sustained growth and balanced development within the Indian Ocean region. Its establishment was not solely or primarily in response to these specific incidents. 2. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only. This statement is incorrect. While maritime safety and security is a crucial area of cooperation for IORA, its mandate is much broader. Its key priority areas include trade and investment facilitation, fisheries management, disaster risk management, academic and science & technology cooperation, tourism and cultural exchanges, and blue economy, in addition to maritime safety and security. Therefore, it is not 'only' for maritime security. Since both statements are incorrect, the correct answer is 'Neither 1 nor 2'.