IOS Sagar (Indian Ocean Security – Sagar) is a pioneering naval cooperation initiative between India and several African nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It was launched in response to the increasing Chinese presence, threats of piracy, and assaults on global shipping by groups like the Houthis. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to enhancing maritime security, conducting joint surveillance, and promoting regional stability.
The offshore patrol vessel INS Sunayna has been deployed from April 5 to May 8 in the southwest Indian Ocean. This vessel operates with a combined crew of Indian and African personnel, comprising a total of 44 members.
Countries participating in the IOS Sagar initiative include Comoros, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Tanzania. This diverse participation reflects a unified approach toward maritime security in the region.
The Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) is a significant naval exercise involving ten African nations. It closely aligns with IOS Sagar, focusing on joint training, harbor visits, professional workshops, and capacity building among the participating nations.
The Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions (MAHASAGAR) initiative was unveiled during the Prime Minister’s visit to Mauritius. Its primary objective is to enhance India’s strategic cooperation and maritime partnerships with coastal nations in Africa.
As part of these initiatives, Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) will engage in a two-week training program at naval training centers in Kochi. This program includes crucial aspects such as sea operations, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) monitoring, watchkeeping, and harbor-based professional activities.
These initiatives are crucial for reinforcing India’s role as a ‘Preferred Security Partner’ and ‘First Responder’ in the Indian Ocean Region. They address emerging threats, enhance interoperability, and provide a counterbalance to external influences, particularly from China.
Tanzania is co-hosting the inaugural AIKEYME exercise in collaboration with the Indian Navy. The Tanzania Peoples’ Defence Force (TPDF) is actively involved in operations based out of Dar-es-Salaam.
Over the past decade, India has actively engaged in various partnerships, including joint patrols, coordinated naval exercises, information sharing, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions with nations across the IOR.
The Indian Ocean Region is vital for India due to its strategic maritime trade routes, key access points, energy security, and the presence of rival powers. Strengthening regional cooperation is essential for fostering a safer and more balanced maritime environment.
Q1. What is IOS Sagar?
Answer: IOS Sagar is India's first naval cooperation initiative with African nations aimed at enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region amidst growing external threats.
Q2. Which countries are involved in the IOS Sagar initiative?
Answer: The initiative includes participation from Comoros, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Tanzania.
Q3. What is the purpose of the AIKEYME exercise?
Answer: AIKEYME aims to foster maritime collaboration among African nations through joint training, harbor visits, and capacity-building workshops.
Q4. How does the MAHASAGAR initiative contribute to regional security?
Answer: MAHASAGAR enhances India’s strategic cooperation with African coastal nations, promoting a holistic approach to regional security and stability.
Q5. Why is the Indian Ocean Region significant for India?
Answer: The IOR is critical for India due to its strategic trade routes, energy security, and the need to counterbalance external influences from rival powers.
Question 1: What is the primary goal of the IOS Sagar initiative?
A) To counter piracy
B) To enhance naval cooperation
C) To increase trade routes
D) To strengthen tourism
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which Indian naval asset is part of IOS Sagar?
A) INS Vikrant
B) INS Sunayna
C) INS Kolkata
D) INS Talwar
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: How many African nations are involved in AIKEYME?
A) 5
B) 10
C) 8
D) 15
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What does MAHASAGAR stand for?
A) Maritime Assistance for Security Across Regions
B) Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across Regions
C) Maritime Aid for Security Across Regions
D) Mutual Aid for Security and Growth Across Regions
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: Which country co-hosts the AIKEYME exercise with India?
A) Kenya
B) South Africa
C) Tanzania
D) Madagascar
Correct Answer: C
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