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Hans India
6 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
From 'Look East' to 'Act East', India emerging a key player in Indian Ocean region
Over the past decade, India has steadily expanded its maritime vision, evolving from the regional focus of SAGAR -- Security and Growth for All in the Region -- to the globally aligned MAHASAGAR doctrine, with the Indo-Pacific at its strategic core. Unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2015 during the commissioning of the Mauritius Coast Guard vessel Barracuda, the SAGAR framework underscored the Indian Ocean's critical role -- carrying two-thirds of global oil shipments and hosting 40 per cent of the world's population along its shores. The policy prioritised the security of India's mainland and island territories, deepening cooperation with maritime neighbours, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing regional maritime engagement. Complemented domestically by the Sagarmala port-led development initiative, SAGAR, marked India's shift from a continental to a maritime outlook. Over the years, the Indian Navy has built strong credentials as a "net security provider" in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), responding to disasters such as the 2004 tsunami, Cyclone Nargis in 2008, and the Maldives' 2014 water crisis, while strengthening ties through joint exercises, capacity building, and humanitarian missions. India's maritime diplomacy has grown into robust Indo-Pacific engagement. Since the 2018 Shangri-La Dialogue, where PM Modi articulated India's vision for a free, open, inclusive Indo-Pacific with ASEAN centrality, New Delhi has launched initiatives such as the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and deepened ties through the Quad. Regional engagement extends through forums like the East Asia Summit, Indian Ocean Rim Association, Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, Colombo Security Conclave, and MILAN exercises, along with white shipping agreements and the Information Fusion Centre--IOR in Gurugram. The Ministry of External Affairs' 2024 Annual Report underlined multi-faceted engagement with ASEAN and other regional bodies, highlighting the upgrade of India–ASEAN ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and cooperation in trade, technology, and cultural exchange. In March 2025, marking a decade since SAGAR's launch, PM Modi unveiled MAHASAGAR -- Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions -- in Mauritius. While SAGAR focused on the IOR, MAHASAGAR expands the vision globally, with particular emphasis on partnerships across the Global South. It signals India's intent to be a "preferred security partner" and a driver of inclusive maritime growth worldwide. From safeguarding regional waters to shaping global maritime norms, India's journey from SAGAR to MAHASAGAR reflects its transformation into a proactive, responsible maritime power with ambitions stretching far beyond its own shores.
New Indian Express
09-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
IOS Sagar returns to Kochi after landmark deployment
KOCHI: INS Sunayna, operating as IOS Sagar, returned to Kochi on Thursday after completing a landmark month-long deployment across the southwestern Indian Ocean. Jointly crewed by sailors from nine Indian Ocean Region (IOR) nations — Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania — the ship's mission was a first-of-its-kind initiative under the Indian Navy's larger MAHASAGAR vision for regional security and cooperation. 'This was a very thrilling experience, especially to operate so closely with India and personnel with other Navies in the Indian Ocean Region. It was challenging in the beginning, as you can imagine, but over time, we were able to work together as one crew, a tangible expression of our individual nations' growing partnership,' said Inspector Rambhojun of Mauritius Coast Guard. The journey began on April 5 from Karwar, flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Over the next month, IOS Sagar made port calls at Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania; Nacala, Mozambique; Port Louis, Mauritius; Port Victoria, Seychelles, and Male in Maldives, undertaking joint naval exercises, cultural exchanges, and coordinated patrols. Key highlights included participation in AIKEYME 2025 (Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement), a multilateral naval exercise hosted by India and Tanzania, as well as community engagements and interoperability drills with Mozambique and Mauritius navies. Sub Lt Martins Henriques of Mozambique, who was undertaking his first training with India, says, 'It is a privilege to be able to work closely with India and other IOR Navies, and to have undergone this training. I hope to impart all I have learned to my countrymen,' he said. At the homecoming ceremony arranged at the Naval Base in Kochi, Southern Naval Command chief Vice Admiral V Srinivas lauded the crew's efforts, calling it 'a new chapter in regional maritime cooperation'.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Big power move in the Indian Ocean! IOS Sagar's port call in Mauritius sends strong message of unity
Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar made a port call at Port Louis in Mauritius from April 26-28, as part of its operational deployment in the Indian Ocean. On departure from Port Louis, IOS SAGAR is scheduled to undertake a joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance with the Mauritius Coast Guard. Show more Show less
The Print
30-04-2025
- General
- The Print
IOS Sagar concludes port call at Port Louis, set to undertake EEZ surveillance with Mauritius
Upon completion, the ship will proceed to its next port of call, Port Victoria, Seychelles, continuing its mission of enhancing maritime security, regional cooperation, and goodwill in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Port Louis [Mauritius], April 29 (ANI): Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar made a port call at Port Louis in Mauritius from April 26-28, as part of its operational deployment in the Indian Ocean. On departure from Port Louis, IOS SAGAR is scheduled to undertake a joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance with the Mauritius Coast Guard. The official release stated, 'Reinforcing the enduring bond between India and Mauritius, IOS Sagar made a significant and engaging port call at Port Louis, Mauritius, from 26 to 28 Apr 25 , as part of its operational deployment in the Indian Ocean.' During her harbour visit to Port Louis, the ship's Commanding Officer called on the Commandant of the Mauritius Coast Guard, reaffirming the commitment to strengthen cooperation between the two maritime forces. Select personnel of the multinational crew visited several key training facilities of the Mauritius Police Force (MPF), including the Special Mobile Force Squadron, Maritime Air Squadron, Coast Guard Training School and the Police Helicopter Squadron and interacted with their counterparts. The official release stated, 'The visit provided a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience and discuss areas of mutual interest in maritime security.' As part of social activities, a joint yoga session was organised onboard IOS Sagar, with participation from the multinational crew and MPF personnel. The Commandant of the National Coast Guard also attended the event. The crew of IOS SAGAR and the MPF played a friendly volleyball match. IOS Sagar opened its decks to visitors, welcoming members of the MPF, the Indian diaspora, and other enthusiastic groups, according to the official release. Visitors were given a tour of the ship and briefed regarding operational capabilities, navigation systems, and life onboard. Additionally, a trek to Signal Mountain was conducted for the ship's crew, which included a multinational team. (ANI) This report is auto-generated from ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
