Latest news with #SecurityandGrowthforAllintheRegion
Hans India
a day 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.
News18
27-07-2025
- General
- News18
'Indelible Mark On History': Navy Hails Chola Dynasty's Legacy, Salutes Maritime Heritage
Last Updated: The Indian Navy paid tribute on Rajendra Chola I's birth anniversary, highlighting his maritime legacy. The Indian Navy on Sunday paid tribute to Rajendra Chola I, the legendary Chola emperor renowned for his visionary maritime expeditions, on the occasion of his birth anniversary. In a post on social media platform X, the spokesperson of India Navy hailed the emperor's naval legacy, calling it a 'golden chapter in India's maritime history." The #IndianNavy proudly pays tribute to Rajendra Chola I — the legendary emperor whose visionary maritime expedition to Southeast Asia a thousand years ago marked a golden chapter in #India 's maritime commencement of the majestic Gangaikonda Cholapuram and the… — SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) July 27, 2025 The post highlighted Rajendra Chola's far-reaching expedition to Southeast Asia over a thousand years ago, which showcased the Chola Empire's naval dominance, strategic brilliance, and cultural influence. 'The commencement of the majestic Gangaikonda Cholapuram and the release of a commemorative coin in his honour serve as a reminder of our rich maritime heritage," the post read. The Indian Navy highlighted the Chola Navy's contributions to shaping early maritime power in the Indian Ocean, stating it exemplified 'unparalleled strategic brilliance, maritime prowess, and cultural influence" that left a lasting mark on Indian history. Continuing that tradition, the Navy emphasized its current role in upholding India's interests in the region, citing initiatives like MAHASAGAR and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) that reflect the country's commitment to peace, security, and cooperation across the Indian Ocean Region. 'Today, the Indian Navy carries forward that legacy — safeguarding national interests, fostering regional cooperation, MAHASAGAR SAGAR and ensuring peace and stability across the #IndianOceanRegion," the post further mentioned. The Navy concluded its tribute by saluting India's long-standing maritime tradition, saying, 'We salute the timeless spirit of India's seafarers — from the maritime pioneers of Chola era to the modern day mariners of today." The tribute marks a renewed acknowledgment of India's ancient maritime roots and its evolving role as a key player in regional naval diplomacy. The Navy also shared a post by PM Modi in which he mentioned some special celebrations on the occasion. In the post on Saturday, PM Modi had announced a commemorative coin and celebrations for Aadi Thiruvathirai festival. PM Modi had tweeted, 'Tomorrow, 27th July will witness a very special programme to mark a thousand years of the maritime expedition of the great Rajendra Chola I to South East Asia and the commencement of the construction of the iconic Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, a shining example of Chola architecture. It is our privilege that a commemorative coin honouring Rajendra Chola I is being released, also celebrating the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival." view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hans India
09-07-2025
- General
- Hans India
Japan Coast Guard ship Itsukushima arrives in Chennai
Visakhapatnam: Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Ship Itsukushima arrived at Chennai Port for a six-day-long goodwill visit. Commanded by Captain Naoki Mizoguchi, the ship arrived at Chennai Port on July 7 as part of its global ocean voyage training programme. The training aims to strengthen regional ties through cultural exchange, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and JCG in the Indo-Pacific Region. Along with joint professional and cultural exchanges and a sea exercise, the weeklong port call includes high-level bilateral meetings aimed at boosting interoperability between the two forces. The visit reaffirms the deep bond between the ICG and JCG. During the port call, crew members will engage in courtesy calls, reciprocal ship visits, joint training sessions, yoga, and sporting events, culminating in a joint sea exercise 'Jaa Mata' (see you later) on July 12. As a symbol of growing cooperation, four ICG officers will sail onboard Itsukushima to Singapore as sea riders, continuing the tradition of professional exchange. This engagement builds on the 2006 memorandum of cooperation between India and Japan aligned with India's Security and Growth for All in the Region vision and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
Hans India
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
India, UAE strengthen naval ties amid growing strategic convergence in Indian Ocean
New Delhi: In a significant boost to maritime diplomacy, Maj Gen Humaid Mohammed Abdullah Alremeithi, Commander of the United Arab Emirates Naval Forces (UAEN), is on an official visit to India from July 7 to 9, aimed at enhancing bilateral naval cooperation and strategic engagement in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The visit, which underscores the growing defence partnership between the two nations, began with Maj Gen Alremeithi paying homage at the National War Memorial in Delhi on July 8, where he laid a wreath in honour of Indian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. A ceremonial Guard of Honour followed at South Block, marking the formal beginning of high-level engagements. The UAE Navy Chief held detailed talks with Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), focusing on deepening operational synergy, structured training exchanges, and capacity building. He also met General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, to discuss broader regional security dynamics and joint maritime initiatives. This visit reflects the increasing alignment between India and the UAE on maritime security, counter-piracy operations, and upholding a rules-based order in the Indian Ocean Region. Both nations have stepped up naval cooperation in recent years, including bilateral exercises, port calls, and information-sharing mechanisms. As the UAE seeks to diversify its defence partnerships and India emerges as a net security provider in the IOR, the naval collaboration between the two sides is gaining strategic depth. The Indian Navy's increasing engagement with Gulf nations also complements India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, aimed at ensuring regional stability and maritime goodwill. The visit of Maj Gen Humaid Mohammed Abdullah Alremeithi marks a key milestone in India-UAE Naval relations, aimed at deepening cooperation and promoting shared interests in the Indian Ocean Region. The growing defence ties between India and UAE are set to play a vital role in shaping the security architecture of the Indian Ocean region.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
First-ever Quad-at-sea mission launched
The coast guards of India, Japan, the US and Australia have launched the first-ever "Quad-at-sea" mission to boost operational coordination and interoperability in the Indo-Pacific. The decision to launch the mission was taken at the four-nation's grouping annual summit in Wilmington in September last year that was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Quad leaders. "In a significant stride toward strengthening maritime security and interoperability in the Indo-Pacific, the coast guards of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia have launched the first-ever 'Quad at sea ship observer mission' under the Wilmington declaration ," the defence ministry said. "Two officers, including women officers, from each country have embarked on board US Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, which is currently sailing to Guam," it said. The ministry said the "cross-embarkation mission" marks an unprecedented step to enhance joint readiness, operational coordination, and domain awareness in support of a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Live Events "The mission reflects the vision laid out at the Quad leaders's summit in September 2024 and signifies a deepening of operational ties between the Indian Coast Guard , Japan Coast Guard, US Coast Guard and Australian Border Force," the ministry said in a statement. In a joint statement, the Quad leaders on September 22 rolled out a number of new and ambitious initiatives in areas ranging from maritime security, infrastructure to critical and emerging technologies and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. A key outcome of the summit was a decision on having joint Coast Guard operations under a first-ever "Quad-at-Sea" ship observer mission to advance maritime safety and to continue with further missions in future across the Indo-Pacific. The defence ministry said India's participation reinforces its strategic maritime vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and complements national efforts under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). The Quad-at-sea initiative thus sets the foundation for fostering stronger trust, coordination, and collective resilience amid evolving maritime challenges in the region, the ministry added. The IPOI is an open, inclusive, non-treaty based, global initiative that was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 14th East Asia Summit in November 2019 to promote collaborative efforts among like-minded nations to better manage, conserve and secure the Indo-Pacific maritime domain.
