- Introduction:
Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during talks with Mauritian PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam.
Aimed at strengthening India’s outreach to the Global South and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Meaning of MAHASAGAR:
MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
It reflects India’s vision for inclusive development, mutual security, and regional cooperation.
- Objectives:
Trade for Development: Promoting economic partnerships and sustainable trade practices.
Capacity Building for Sustainable Growth: Offering technical expertise and resources to partner nations.
Mutual Security for a Shared Future: Strengthening maritime security, countering threats like piracy, and ensuring freedom of navigation.
- Implementation:
Collaboration through technology sharing.
Concessional loans and grants to support partner countries’ developmental needs.
- Comparison with SAGAR:
SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) was launched in 2015 as a foundational policy for India’s Indian Ocean engagement.
MAHASAGAR expands on SAGAR by including a broader Global South focus while maintaining maritime security goals.
- Strategic Context:
Seen as a response to China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Strengthens India’s maritime diplomacy and supports regional stability.
Relevance for APSC:
International Relations: India’s maritime security strategy and relations with the Global South.
Geopolitics: Countering China’s influence in the Indian Ocean Region.
Economic diplomacy: Promoting trade, technology transfer, and capacity building.
Prelims focus: Full forms of SAGAR and MAHASAGAR
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