Launched in 2015, SAGAR represents India’s vision for ensuring regional security, sustainable development, and cooperative growth in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Core Principles:
- Trust and Norms: Respect for international maritime laws and norms.
- Cooperation: Peaceful dispute resolution and collaboration among nations.
- Policy Alignment: Links with Act East Policy and Neighbourhood First Policy.
Significance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) for India:
- Economic Vitality:
- Accounts for 95% of India’s trade by volume and 68% by value.
- Strategic Importance:
- Controls key maritime chokepoints (e.g., Strait of Malacca), crucial for trade and energy security.
- Defense Role:
- Enhances India’s capacity to counter piracy and regional threats.
- Regional Influence:
- Reinforces India’s leadership in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific
Major Initiatives Aligned with SAGAR Vision:
- Integrated Coastal Surveillance System (ICSS):
- Coastal radar installations in IOR nations like Maldives for enhanced maritime domain awareness.
- Maritime Exercises:
- Joint drills with nations such as Sri Lanka, Seychelles, and Singapore to build operational synergy.
- Naval Partnerships:
- Collaborations with Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles.
- Includes the India-Indonesia partnership for maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
- Collaborative Mechanisms:
- Engagement with platforms like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS).
- Disaster Response and Aid:
- Examples:
- Mission Sagar (2020): COVID-19 aid to IOR countries.
- Support during events like MV Wakashio Oil Spill and Operation Neer for drinking water supply.
- Examples:
- Port and Infrastructure Projects:
- Enhancements in countries such as the Maldives to boost connectivity and trade.
- Project Mausam:
- Explores the impact of monsoon winds on Indian Ocean civilizations and maritime traditions.
- Information Fusion Centre-IOR:
- Tracks maritime traffic and threats, enabling real-time information sharing.
SAGAR reaffirms India’s commitment to being a net security provider in the IOR, fostering a peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable maritime environment while countering emerging geopolitical challenges.
