India's maritime strategy has significantly evolved over the past decade, shaped by regional dynamics and the growing importance of maritime trade. The SAGAR vision, launched in 2015, established India as a responsible maritime actor in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The recent unveiling of the MAHASAGAR initiative during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Mauritius in March 2025 marks a broader strategic ambition.
MAHASAGAR, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, aims to enhance India's cooperation across trade, sustainable development, humanitarian aid, and geopolitical alignment with the Global South. This initiative continues to position India as a preferred regional security partner.
While SAGAR focused primarily on maritime security and regional cooperation, MAHASAGAR expands its agenda to include:
Mauritius has become one of India's most trusted strategic partners in the IOR. PM Modi's visit coincided with Mauritius' National Day celebrations, reinforcing the partnership through projects like the upgraded airstrip on Agalega Island, a key Indian naval outpost.
MAHASAGAR is a continuation of SAGAR but adopts a broader focus. It retains the core principles of security and regional cooperation while adding new dimensions such as:
India's strategic goals under the MAHASAGAR initiative include:
In contrast to China's transactional approach marked by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), MAHASAGAR emphasizes inclusive cooperation based on shared challenges and mutual respect. This positions India as a stabilizing power in the region.
The upgraded airstrip on Agalega Island enhances India's naval capabilities in the Western IOR. It supports humanitarian operations and improves surveillance of regional sea lanes, vital for maintaining maritime security.
MAHASAGAR addresses critical non-traditional security issues such as:
India's maritime posture has shifted from being a net security provider to a preferred security partner. This reflects a commitment to cooperative leadership rather than hierarchical engagement.
MAHASAGAR is rooted in solidarity with the Global South, promoting trade and development assistance, technology sharing, and cultural exchanges.
The MAHASAGAR vision signifies India's intent to expand its maritime engagement beyond the IOR, aligning with its Indo-Pacific strategy and strengthening ties with ASEAN and Pacific island nations.
Q1. What is the MAHASAGAR initiative?
Answer: MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. It enhances India's maritime strategy, focusing on economic development, sustainable growth, and strategic cooperation with the Global South.
Q2. How does MAHASAGAR differ from SAGAR?
Answer: While SAGAR emphasized maritime security, MAHASAGAR broadens this focus to include economic development and Indo-Pacific engagement, promoting a more holistic approach to regional cooperation.
Q3. Why is Mauritius significant for India?
Answer: Mauritius is a strategic partner for India in the Indian Ocean, reinforced by initiatives like the Agalega Island project, which enhances India's naval capabilities and regional presence.
Q4. What non-traditional security issues does MAHASAGAR address?
Answer: MAHASAGAR focuses on issues such as humanitarian assistance, illegal fishing, piracy, and environmental challenges, which are critical for island nations in the Indian Ocean Region.
Q5. How does MAHASAGAR support India's role in the Indo-Pacific?
Answer: MAHASAGAR facilitates India's maritime engagement beyond the Indian Ocean, aligning with its Indo-Pacific strategy and strengthening ties with regional partners including ASEAN member states.
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