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 region.

About 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).

Mahasagar vs 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.

Parameter	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

Challenges in the Maritime Domain

Maritime security is increasingly complex, with a mix of traditional and emerging threats. These challenges can be broadly categorized into three areas: hard security threats, unconventional security risks, and governance issues.

1. Hard Security Challenges

Unconventional Tactics in Warfare – Countries are using unconventional methods, such as Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russia and China’s maritime militias in the South China Sea, making it difficult to respond effectively.
Grey-Zone Warfare – Tactics that blur the line between peace and conflict, like violating exclusive economic zones (EEZs), create legal and policy challenges. Example: The USA’s contested presence in disputed waters.
Combat Drones & Land Attack Missiles – The increasing use of drones for surveillance and potential strikes, along with missiles launched from sea-based platforms, has transformed modern naval threats.

2. Unconventional Security Risks

Illegal Fishing & Resource Exploitation – Foreign fishing fleets encroach on territorial waters, affecting marine ecosystems and local livelihoods. Example: Sri Lankan fishermen in Indian waters.
Natural Disasters & Climate Change – Rising sea levels, cyclones, and tsunamis disproportionately impact coastal nations, requiring stronger disaster response strategies.
Marine Pollution – Oil spills, plastic waste, and industrial discharge threaten ocean health and biodiversity.
Trafficking & Smuggling – Maritime routes are used for human and drug trafficking, increasing regional instability.
Geopolitical Rivalries in the Indo-Pacific – The US-China rivalry often overshadows the concerns of smaller nations in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific, diverting resources from pressing security needs.

3. Challenges in Maritime Governance

Lack of Coordination Among Littoral States – Countries in Asia and Africa struggle to unite against maritime threats due to differing security priorities and enforcement capabilities. Example: ASEAN nations hesitating to confront China’s actions in the South China Sea.
Reluctance to Cooperate with Foreign Partners – Some nations prefer to avoid reliance on external assistance, weakening collaborative security measures.
Limited Information Sharing – Despite agreements, countries often share only minimal intelligence due to concerns over national security and sovereignty. Example: India and the USA have multiple agreements, but information exchange remains cautious.

Addressing these challenges requires stronger cooperation, better governance, and technological advancements to ensure a secure and stable maritime domain.

Way Forward for a Robust Maritime Neighbourhood Policy

To ensure a stable, secure, and cooperative maritime environment, India must adopt a multi-pronged approach that balances security, economic growth, environmental sustainability, and diplomatic engagement. The following steps can help shape an effective maritime neighbourhood policy:

1. Strengthening Regional Security Cooperation: Expand bilateral, trilateral, and multilateral collaborations through platforms like Quad, IORA, BIMSTEC, and IONS to enhance maritime security.

2. Enhancing Maritime Infrastructure & Connectivity: Invest in modernising port infrastructure and smart shipping corridors to boost trade and regional economic integration. Promote sustainable Blue Economy partnerships in fisheries, marine biotechnology, and deep-sea mining.

3. Promoting Sustainable & Inclusive Development: Implement stricter fisheries management agreements to prevent overfishing and protect coastal livelihoods.Encourage regional cooperation for tackling marine pollution and plastic waste in the Indian Ocean.

4. Strengthening Maritime Governance & Law Enforcement: Improve the capabilities of coast guards and maritime law enforcement agencies to combat non-traditional threats like trafficking and environmental crimes.Promote the adoption of a regional Code of Conduct based on UNCLOS, ensuring peaceful dispute resolution and responsible ocean governance.

5. Fostering Diplomatic Engagement & Strategic Partnerships: Balance power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific by deepening ties with smaller Indian Ocean nations (Sri Lanka, Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius).

#BACK2BASICS: Maritime Neighbourhood of India

India’s maritime neighbourhood includes the countries and regions that share maritime boundaries or have strategic maritime linkages with India. These areas are significant for trade, security, and regional stability.

Key Regions in India’s Maritime Neighbourhood

1. Immediate Maritime Neighbours (Countries with direct maritime borders with India)

Sri Lanka (South of Tamil Nadu, separated by the Palk Strait)
Maldives (Southwest of India, near Lakshadweep)
Myanmar (Eastern maritime neighbour, Bay of Bengal)
Bangladesh (Northeastern maritime neighbour, Bay of Bengal)
Pakistan (Western maritime neighbour, Arabian Sea)

2. Extended Maritime Neighbours (Strategically important island nations & territories in the Indian Ocean)

Seychelles (Near India’s southwestern waters)
Mauritius (Deep in the Indian Ocean but a close partner of India)
Madagascar (Western Indian Ocean, near Africa)
Comoros & Réunion (French territory) (Further southwest in the Indian Ocean)

3. Strategic Waters & Regions (Vital for India’s maritime security and trade)

Bay of Bengal (Northeast of India, key for regional trade & security)
Arabian Sea (West of India, crucial for energy imports from the Middle East)
Indian Ocean Region (IOR) (Extends from Africa to Australia, vital for naval security & trade routes)
Strait of Malacca (A critical choke point for India’s trade & naval strategy, linking the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean via Southeast Asia)

Why is India’s Maritime Neighbourhood Important?

Trade & Connectivity: Over 90% of India’s trade by volume passes through these waters.
Security & Defense: Presence of Chinese naval activity, piracy, and smuggling threats in the Indian Ocean.
Diplomatic & Economic Ties: India engages with these nations through SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and Quad & Indo-Pacific strategies.
India’s Evolution of Maritime Neighbourhood Policy

Phase & Time Period	Key Focus	Major Developments
1. Limited Maritime Engagement (Pre-1990s)	– Coastal security – Land-centric defense	– 1971 Indo-Pak War emphasized naval importance – Minimal regional maritime cooperation
2. Expanding Regional Presence (1990s–2000s)	– Economic maritime focus – Regional cooperation	– 1991: Economic liberalization increased maritime trade – 1997: India joined IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association)
3. Strengthening Strategic Partnerships (2000s–2010s)	– Deepening ties with ASEAN & island nations – Maritime security expansion	– 2008: Anti-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden – 2011: Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) launched
4. SAGAR & Indo-Pacific Strategy (2014–Present)	– SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) – Countering China’s influence in the Indian Ocean – Strengthening QUAD cooperation	– 2015: SAGAR doctrine announced – 2018: Logistics agreements with US, France, Australia – 2020: Stronger presence in Malacca Strait & Andaman-Nicobar – 2022: Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) launched
5. MAHASAGAR: 2025 & Beyond	– Advanced Blue Economy – AI-driven Maritime Security – Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Indian Ocean – Greater Indo-Pacific Naval Collaboration	– MAHASAGAR Initiative (2025): India’s maritime vision for economic and security dominance – AI-based maritime surveillance system – Expansion of deep-sea exploration & green shipping corridors – Strengthened cooperation with IORA, BIMSTEC, & QUAD

For a Maritime Neighbourhood Policy to be successful, six key elements must guide foreign policy:

Security & Defense – Strengthening naval cooperation, joint patrols, and tackling maritime threats like piracy and smuggling.
Economic & Trade Connectivity – Enhancing port infrastructure, promoting Blue Economy initiatives, and boosting regional trade.
Disaster Management & Climate Resilience – Developing joint disaster response frameworks, early warning systems, and humanitarian aid efforts.
Strategic Diplomacy – Engaging in regional forums, countering geopolitical threats, and strengthening ties with island nations.
Sustainable Maritime Governance – Ensuring responsible fishing, marine conservation, and enhancing maritime domain awareness.
Technology & Infrastructure Development – Expanding smart ports, undersea communication networks, and AI-driven maritime security.

India’s performance assessment

Policy Element	Performance	Challenges
Security Cooperation	– Naval Engagements: India has actively participated in joint naval exercises with countries like the U.S., Japan, and Australia, enhancing interoperability and regional security. – Counter-Piracy Operations: The Indian Navy has been instrumental in reducing piracy incidents in the Gulf of Aden since 2008.	– Chinese Naval Presence: China’s expanding naval activities in the Indian Ocean pose strategic challenges for India. – Resource Constraints: Budgetary limitations have slowed India’s naval modernization efforts, impacting its ability to maintain a robust maritime presence.
Economic & Trade Connectivity	– Infrastructure Development: India has invested in port development projects, such as Chabahar in Iran, to enhance regional trade connectivity. – Blue Economy Initiatives: Collaborations with neighboring countries have been initiated to sustainably harness marine resources.	– Competing Chinese Investments: China’s Belt and Road Initiative has led to significant investments in neighboring countries, challenging India’s influence. – Political Instability: Changes in neighboring countries’ leaderships, such as in Bangladesh and the Maldives, have affected bilateral economic projects.
Disaster Management & Climate Resilience	– HADR Operations: The Indian Navy has provided timely humanitarian assistance during natural disasters in the region, showcasing India’s commitment to regional stability. – Climate Initiatives: India has engaged in regional dialogues to address climate change impacts on maritime nations.	– Coordination Challenges: Aligning disaster response strategies with diverse neighboring countries requires continuous diplomatic efforts. – Resource Allocation: Balancing resources between defense and disaster management remains a challenge.
Strategic Partnerships & Diplomacy	– Regional Forums: India’s active participation in IORA and BIMSTEC has strengthened regional cooperation. – SAGAR Vision: The ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ doctrine has been well-received, promoting collective security.	– Shifting Alliances: Neighboring countries, like Nepal and the Maldives, have shown inclinations towards China, challenging India’s diplomatic influence. – Domestic Political Changes: Political transitions in neighboring countries can disrupt established diplomatic relations.
Sustainable Maritime Governance	– Fisheries Agreements: India has entered into agreements to promote sustainable fishing practices. – Marine Conservation: Initiatives have been launched to protect marine biodiversity in collaboration with neighbors.	– Illegal Fishing: Preventing unauthorized fishing activities remains a persistent issue. – Policy Implementation: Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations across borders is challenging.
Technology & Infrastructure Development	– Digital Initiatives: Steps have been taken to modernize port operations and enhance maritime surveillance through technology. – Defense Acquisitions: Procurement of advanced surveillance drones has bolstered maritime domain awareness.	– Technological Gaps: Rapid technological advancements require continuous upgrades, posing financial and logistical challenges. – Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Developing world-class maritime infrastructure is hindered by bureaucratic delays and funding constraints.

India’s maritime policy demonstrates proactive engagement in enhancing regional security, economic connectivity, and disaster response. However, challenges such as external geopolitical influences, internal resource constraints, and dynamic political landscapes necessitate adaptive strategies to uphold its maritime interests.