IOS SAGAR mission concludes in Kochi

• Indian Navy marked the successful culmination of the landmark IOS SAGAR deployment with the flag-in of INS Sunayna at Kochi on May 20, following an extensive multinational deployment across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). 

• INS Sunayna was ceremonially received with water cannon salutes on her return to Kochi harbour.

• IOS Sagar was flagged off from Mumbai on April 2. 

• The joint mission with 38 personnel from 16 partner nations stands as a significant demonstration of India’s emergence as the ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the Indian Ocean Region.

• The deployment, jointly undertaken by the Indian Navy and partner nations — Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Maldives, Mozambique, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor Leste, and United Arab Emirates — represents one of the most comprehensive multinational operational engagements conducted in the region.

• Embodying the spirit of ‘One Ocean, One Mission’, IOS SAGAR showcased Indian Navy’s commitment towards fostering an inclusive, cooperative, and rules-based maritime order through sustained regional engagement and operational collaboration.

• The mission reflects the vision articulated by India’s maritime initiatives SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

SAGAR Initiative

• India’s approach to the Indian Ocean Region has been guided by ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision SAGAR, which has now evolved into Vision MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions for the Global South. 

• These frameworks guide our cooperation in a range of areas including development cooperation, capacity building, defence and maritime security and HADR assistance.

• 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.

What is MAHASAGAR?

• In March 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined the MAHASAGAR doctrine in Mauritius. 

• While SAGAR focuses on security and growth within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), MAHASAGAR expands this vision to include the broader Global South, particularly Africa. 

• MAHASAGAR encompasses the ideas of trade for development, capacity building for sustainable growth, and mutual security for a shared future.

• In line with the MAHASAGAR initiative, India continues its commitment to the well-being and progress of nations in the region as a first responder and net security provider in the region. 

• The government of India is committed to strengthening maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and beyond, to ensure a favorable and positive maritime environment. 

• India also participates in regional frameworks to promote maritime cooperation and exchanges in the region. 

• In line with this vision, India has been focusing on development assistance, capacity building initiatives, economic cooperation, connectivity, HADR support and defence & maritime security cooperation, with an aim to assist countries in the region on sustainable socio-economic development.