From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: MAHASAGAR Initiative
Why in the News?
PM Modi has unveiled ‘MAHASAGAR’ (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) during his March 2025 visit to Mauritius, outlining India’s expanded vision for security and development across the Global South.
What is MAHASAGAR?
- Mahasagar is India’s expanded strategic vision aimed at enhancing security, trade, and development cooperation across the Global South.
- It builds on India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy, which focused on the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Three Core Pillars:
- Trade for Development: Enhancing economic ties through technology-sharing and trade facilitation.
- Capacity Building for Sustainable Growth: Supporting nations with infrastructure, education, and economic partnerships.
- Mutual Security for a Shared Future: Strengthening regional security, maritime cooperation, and defense ties.
- It seeks to address China’s expanding presence in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean by promoting India-led cooperation models.
- It aims to position India as a champion of the Global South, amplifying their voice in global policymaking (e.g., G20, IORA, BRICS).
How Mahasagar builds on SAGAR (2015)?
- India’s SAGAR policy (2015) was a regional framework focused on maritime security and economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Mahasagar broadens this vision to global engagement with the Global South.
| SAGAR (2015) | Mahasagar (2025) | |
| Geographic Scope | Indian Ocean Region (IOR) | Global South, Indo-Pacific, Africa, Latin America |
| Focus Areas | Maritime security, economic ties, blue economy, regional stability | Trade-driven development, technology-sharing, capacity building, global security |
| Strategic Partnerships | Mauritius, Seychelles, Maldives, Sri Lanka, IOR countries | Expands to Africa, ASEAN, Latin America, Pacific Island Nations |
| Security & Defense Cooperation | Anti-piracy, maritime domain awareness, EEZ protection | Joint naval exercises, cyber security, defense partnerships |
| Economic & Developmental Focus | Blue economy, infrastructure, trade corridors in IOR | Technology transfer, concessional loans, trade in local currencies |
| Diplomatic Strategy | Regional cooperation through IORA, BIMSTEC | Voice of the Global South in G20, BRICS, UN initiatives |
PYQ:[2017] Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): 1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy. 2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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