IOS SAGAR: A Bold Step in India’s Maritime Diplomacy and Regional Security Strategy
IOS SAGAR: Strengthening India’s Strategic Maritime Cooperation with a Powerful New Model
Context: The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is emerging as a theatre of geopolitical contestation and strategic partnerships. In response to evolving maritime challenges and increasing competition, India has launched IOS SAGAR, an innovative naval cooperation initiative.
What is IOS SAGAR?
- Launched: May 2025
- Led by: Indian Navy
- Vessel Deployed: INS Sunayna
- Duration: One-month deployment
- Participating Countries (10):
- African Littorals: Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Tanzania
- South Asian Neighbours: Maldives, Sri Lanka
- Crew Composition: Naval and Coast Guard personnel from all participant nations
- It represents a deeper strategic commitment to regional maritime security and multilateral engagement in the South-West Indian Ocean.
- IOS SAGAR aligns with India’s evolving maritime strategy, particularly the vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and its expansion into MAHASAGAR.
Objectives of IOS SAGAR
- Strengthening Maritime Cooperation: Facilitates joint training, operational drills, and exchange of best practices among participating navies.
- Enhancing Interoperability: Builds operational synergy crucial for addressing transnational maritime threats.
- Advancing Naval Diplomacy:A unique model showcasing India’s naval diplomacy to promote mutual trust and regional stability.
Strategic Context: India’s Role in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
- India is recognised as the principal maritime security actor in the IOR, with a responsibility to maintain peace and stability.
- IOS SAGAR complements India’s broader strategy of naval diplomacy to engage with like-minded regional partners.
- The initiative reflects India’s intention to be seen as the “Preferred Security Partner” and “First Responder” in the region.
Key Significance of IOS SAGAR :
- Alignment with India’s Maritime Vision
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- SAGAR Vision (2015): Introduced by PM Modi, aimed at enhancing regional security, cooperation, and prosperity in the IOR.
- MAHASAGAR (2025): Recently expanded version of SAGAR, focusing on Mutual and Holistic Advancement of Security and Growth for All in the Region.
- Emphasis on Global South.
- IOS SAGAR is the first concrete operationalisation of this vision.
Addressing Non-Traditional Maritime Threats
- IOS SAGAR reflects India’s recognition of non-traditional security challenges:
- Piracy
- Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing
- Natural Disasters
- Climate change-induced maritime risks
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- Enhancing coordination in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) is a key priority under this initiative.
AIKEYME: India’s New Africa-Centric Maritime Platform
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- Inclusion of African Littoral States: Expanding the Indo-Pacific Vision
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- African nations comprise a significant part of the participant group, indicating a strategic shift in India’s maritime engagement.
- Contrasts the traditional East-centric focus of the Indo-Pacific with a Westward strategic expansion.
- Reinforces Africa’s place in India’s cartographic imagination of the Indo-Pacific.
Three Key Takeaways from IOS SAGAR
- Emerging Models of Naval Diplomacy: IOS SAGAR represents a shift towards multi-national, cooperative frameworks for maritime engagement.
- Operationalisation of MAHASAGAR: With emphasis on African engagement, India has begun translating vision documents into action-oriented maritime initiatives.
- Cautious and Context-Sensitive Diplomacy: India’s approach remains sensitive to the compulsions, priorities, and sovereignty concerns of partner countries in the IOR.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
- Geographic Scope Limitation: The inaugural edition focused on the South-West Indian Ocean; future expansions must include eastern and central IOR regions.
- Geopolitical Competition: Growing Chinese influence, particularly through naval bases and debt diplomacy, poses strategic challenges.
- Need for Institutionalisation: IOS SAGAR and AIKEYME must be institutionalised as recurring forums for sustained engagement.
Conclusion
IOS SAGAR is a key initiative redefining maritime cooperation under India’s leadership, advancing its vision for a unified regional security framework in the Indian Ocean Region. By blending humanitarianism, strategic foresight, and cooperative security, India reinforces its role as a net security provider and first responder at sea.
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The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH
