• Indian naval ship IOS Sagar, with 44 naval personnel from nine friendly nations, has successfully completed the first phase of a joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance with Mauritius as part of its deployment in the South Western Indian Ocean.

• The visit marks a significant milestone in India’s commitment to regional maritime cooperation and capacity-building with friendly foreign countries.

IOS SAGAR

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off the Indian Navy’s offshore patrol vessel, INS Sunayna, as Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR on April 5.

• IOS Sagar is an initiative towards continued cooperation with Indian Ocean Region (IOR) nations. 

• It has 44 naval personnel from nine friendly foreign nations of the IOR, including two officers and six sailors from the Republic of Mauritius.

• The deployment of the ship with naval personnel from Madagascar, Maldives, Comoros, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Tanzania is aimed at regional maritime security and international cooperation.

• INS Sunayna is designed for anti-piracy operations, maritime surveillance, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

• The ship is equipped with medium and close-range gunnery weapons and modern electronic warfare suites, including missile defence measures.

• The ship can also carry a helicopter, which enhances her operational and surveillance capability.

SAGAR Initiative

• The SAGAR Initiative, which stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region, is a strategic framework introduced by India to promote maritime cooperation, security, and economic development in the Indian Ocean region. 

• Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 during his visit to Mauritius, the initiative reflects India’s vision of fostering regional stability, sustainability, and prosperity through collaborative efforts.

Objectives of the initiative:

1) Maritime Security:

• Enhance regional maritime security by addressing challenges such as piracy, terrorism, illegal trafficking, and other transnational crimes.

• Strengthen cooperation among Indian Ocean littoral states to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment.

2) Sustainable Development:

• Promote sustainable use of marine resources, including fisheries and ocean-based energy.

• Support initiatives for marine conservation and environmental protection.

3) Economic Growth:

• Facilitate trade, connectivity, and economic integration among Indian Ocean nations.

• Develop infrastructure, such as ports and shipping networks, to boost regional trade and commerce.

4) Disaster Management:

• Improve regional preparedness and response mechanisms for natural disasters, such as tsunamis, cyclones, and oil spills.

• Share expertise and resources for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.

5) Capacity Building:

• Provide technical assistance, training, and resources to smaller island nations and coastal states to enhance their maritime capabilities.

• Strengthen regional institutions and frameworks for maritime governance.

India’s Role with SAGAR:

As a key player in the Indian Ocean region, India has taken several steps to operationalise the SAGAR initiative:

• Naval Diplomacy: India has engaged in joint naval exercises, coordinated patrols, and capacity-building programs with countries in the region.

• Infrastructure Development: India has invested in port development and connectivity projects, such as the Chabahar Port in Iran and the Sagarmala Project for port modernisation in India.

• Humanitarian Assistance: India has been at the forefront of providing disaster relief and humanitarian aid, such as during the 2004 tsunami and the 2020 Mauritius oil spill.

• Institutional Frameworks: India has supported regional organisations like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) to promote dialogue and cooperation.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)