The SAGAR initiative, launched by India in 2015, is a strategic maritime vision aimed at fostering peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It reflects India’s commitment to being a responsible maritime power and a net security provider, emphasizing collaboration with regional nations.
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| Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) Initiative |
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SAGAR initiative – Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| SAGAR Initiative Full Form | Security and Growth for All in the Region |
| SAGAR Initiative Under Which Ministry | Ministry of External Affairs, in coordination with the Ministry of Defence and other agencies |
| SAGAR Initiative Vision | To promote a climate of trust, transparency, and respect for international maritime rules; enhance economic and security cooperation with maritime neighbors; support capacity building for maritime security; resolve maritime issues peacefully; and foster sustainable development in the Indian Ocean Region |
| SAGAR Initiative Launch Date | March 12, 2015, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a visit to Mauritius |
| SAGAR Initiative Member Countries | Primarily involves Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) member states, including Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen; observer states like China, Japan, and the U.S.; and specific partners like Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh for initiatives like Mission Sagar |
Key Objectives of SAGAR Initiative
- Maritime Security: Strengthen regional security by combating piracy, trafficking, and illegal fishing while ensuring freedom of navigation.
- Economic Growth: Promote sustainable development through trade, connectivity, and blue economy initiatives.
- Capacity Building: Enhance maritime capabilities of partner nations via training, technology sharing, and joint exercises.
- Disaster Response: Provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) to IOR countries during crises.
- Environmental Sustainability: Address climate change and marine conservation to ensure a resilient IOR.
Implementation of SAGAR
- Naval Engagements: Indian Navy ships, like INS Sunayna, conduct port calls, joint patrols, and exercises with regional navies.
- Diplomatic Outreach: India collaborates with IOR countries through forums like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
- Infrastructure Support: Projects like port development and coastal surveillance systems bolster regional connectivity and security.
- HADR Operations: India has provided swift aid during cyclones, tsunamis, and other disasters in countries like Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Mozambique.
SAGAR Initiative: Strategic Importance
The IOR is a critical global trade route, with over 50% of the world’s maritime trade passing through it. SAGAR aligns with India’s broader foreign policy, including "Act East" and "Neighbourhood First," to counterbalance external influences (e.g., China’s Belt and Road Initiative) while promoting a rules-based order.
Impact of SAGAR Mission
SAGAR has strengthened India’s maritime partnerships with countries like Sri Lanka, Maldives, Seychelles, and Mauritius. It has also enhanced India’s role as a first responder, earning goodwill and fostering trust across the region.
By integrating security, economic, and environmental goals, SAGAR positions India as a collaborative leader in the IOR, ensuring mutual growth and stability for all.
SAGAR Initiative FAQs
The SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative is India’s strategic framework for promoting maritime cooperation, security, and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Below is a concise list addressing key questions about the initiative, its objectives, participating countries, and related missions.
- Which countries are involved in the SAGAR initiative? Primarily Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) members, including Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and 15 others, along with observer states like China, Japan, and the United States. Key partners include Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros, and Madagascar for initiatives like Mission Sagar. Pakistan, while an IOR littoral state, is not a member due to geopolitical tensions.
- What is Operation Sagar? Refers to Mission Sagar, a humanitarian outreach program launched in May 2020 to deliver COVID-19 aid (food, medical supplies) to IOR countries such as Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, and Seychelles, aligning with SAGAR’s cooperative vision.
- What are the objectives of SAGAR? To foster trust, transparency, and respect for maritime rules; enhance economic and security cooperation; build maritime security capabilities; resolve maritime issues peacefully; and promote sustainable development in the IOR.
- What is the full form of SAGAR in India? Security and Growth for All in the Region.
