India Elevates SAGAR to MAHASAGAR: A New Vision for Maritime Security
- India International Affairs South Asia
Shreya Naskar- 0
- 6 minutes read
India has taken a significant step in bolstering its maritime security and strategic presence in the Indian Ocean by upgrading its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine to MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). This move underscores India’s commitment to regional security, particularly in countering China’s expanding influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). On Wednesday, India and Mauritius elevated their bilateral ties by signing eight key agreements aimed at strengthening maritime security, trade, capacity building, and economic cooperation. These agreements were announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Mauritius, where he attended the island nation’s National Day celebrations as the chief guest. During his visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the MAHASAGAR vision, which aims to ensure growth and security in the Global South while reinforcing India’s role as a maritime leader. This announcement came amid China’s increasing attempts to expand its influence in the Indian Ocean by developing strategic bases and economic investments in island nations. The MAHASAGAR doctrine emphasizes: A free, open, and secure Indian Ocean as a priority for both India and Mauritius. Increased defence and security cooperation to protect Mauritius’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Strengthened maritime surveillance and hydrographic surveys. Joint efforts in regional stability, climate change, and economic growth.
India and Mauritius signed eight crucial pacts, covering various aspects of their strategic and economic partnership. These agreements include:
- Maritime Security Cooperation: Enhancing joint naval patrols, increasing the deployment of ships and aircraft, and conducting hydrographic surveys to improve maritime domain awareness.
- Trade in Local Currencies: Strengthening economic ties by promoting trade in Indian Rupees and Mauritian Rupees, reducing dependence on third-party currencies.
- Defence and Capacity Building: Expanding defence cooperation to support Mauritius in modernizing its naval capabilities.
- Utilization of New Runways and Jetty at Agalega: Optimizing newly built runways and jetties for enhanced strategic and commercial use.
- Health and Education Collaboration: Boosting bilateral cooperation in medical research, training programs, and educational exchanges.
- Space and Climate Change Initiatives: Working together on climate resilience, disaster management, and satellite-based monitoring.
China has aggressively expanded its maritime footprint in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) through: Developing strategic ports in Sri Lanka (Hambantota), Pakistan (Gwadar), and Djibouti. Establishing a military presence in IOR islands. Offering economic investments as part of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to gain influence in smaller nations. By enhancing security ties with Mauritius, India aims to counterbalance China’s growing presence, ensuring that the Indian Ocean remains free from external coercion and promoting a rules-based maritime order. Recognizing the shared objectives of both nations in ensuring regional stability, India has pledged full support to Mauritius in modernizing its defence capabilities. This includes: Training Mauritian forces in naval and aerial operations. Providing advanced surveillance systems to monitor maritime threats. Deploying more Indian naval assets for joint security missions. With the unveiling of MAHASAGAR, India has reaffirmed its commitment to a secure and stable Indian Ocean Region. The agreements signed between India and Mauritius reflect a deepening strategic partnership, enhancing maritime security, trade, and overall regional cooperation. By strengthening its ties with Mauritius, India not only reinforces its maritime dominance but also ensures that the Indian Ocean remains a zone of peace and prosperity. As India continues to expand its influence in the Global South, the MAHASAGAR vision will play a crucial role in shaping future maritime policies and regional partnerships, solidifying India’s position as a leading power in the Indo-Pacific.