India’s strategic vision for the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative is aimed at promoting a free, open, peaceful, and navigable Indo-Pacific region. With India’s central location in the Indian Ocean, the country has uninterrupted access to 40 rim nations in the region.
After being re-elected for a third term, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prioritized revitalizing India’s strategic partnerships with island nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) under the SAGAR Vision. This was evident in the recent visit of India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to Mauritius, where he inaugurated India’s first overseas pharmacy and launched several development projects.
India’s focus on strengthening ties with its IOR partners can be traced back to strategic concerns arising from China’s increasing presence and activities in the region. The SAGAR Vision, although not a policy document, drives India’s foreign policy to protect the “blue ocean economy” and enhance economic and maritime security capabilities in the IOR.
Mauritius, a key partner in the SAGAR Vision, plays a significant role in India’s “Neighborhood First Policy” and Africa Forward Initiative. The deepening strategic convergence between India and Mauritius on security challenges highlights the growing importance of the island nation in the changing security landscape of the IOR.
India’s efforts to strengthen its maritime domain capabilities under SAGAR have led to increased engagements with Indian Ocean Rim Association members, particularly in the western Indian Ocean. The recent activities between India and Mauritius, such as the extension of a defense line of credit and joint infrastructure projects, underscore the strategic partnership between the two nations.
The SAGAR initiative aims to promote inclusive development by addressing economic assistance and maritime security concerns while upholding international maritime laws and norms. By empowering smaller IOR nations to tackle traditional and nontraditional security challenges, India is positioning itself as a facilitator in the region.
Through partnerships with regional countries like Mauritius, India is working towards a robust alliance that addresses shared concerns and promotes collective security in the IOR. The SAGAR initiative emphasizes the importance of economic integration and maritime security in fostering regional cooperation and development.
As major power competition and security threats continue to grow in the IOR, initiatives like SAGAR play a crucial role in bringing maritime challenges to the forefront of regional engagement. By listening to the concerns of its partners and promoting capacity-building programs, India is paving the way for a more secure and prosperous Indian Ocean Region.