From SAGAR to MAHASAGAR: India’s Strategic Evolution in the Indian Ocean Region

Alfred Mahan states in his book, “Whoever controls the oceans, runs the world.” Indeed, this  claim has great significance when it comes to the geopolitics of the Indian Ocean region in the  21st century, as control of the Indian Ocean is increasingly becoming a chessboard for major  powers. The Indian Ocean region is crucial for global trade, energy, and military strategy due to  its shipping lanes, resources, and chokepoints. With this in mind, India has been increasingly  refining its maritime policies to increase its dominance over the region. 

India has demonstrated shifts in its maritime strategy over the last decade from Security and  Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) to what is now referred to as the MAHASAGAR vision.  During his latest trip to Mauritius, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined that the  MAHASAGAR initiative seeks to expand India's influence in the Global South by encouraging  trade, security cooperation, and sustainable development. This represents a shift in strategy to  meet China’s growing engagement in the Indo-Pacific and the Indian Ocean Region, which gives  New Delhi larger leadership in regional governance. 

SAGAR Doctrine: A Foundation for Regional Cooperation 

Launched in 2015, SAGAR aimed to improve India’s maritime engagement through five pillars.  First, Security Cooperation, which focused on bilateral and multilateral relations to strengthen  maritime security. Second, Trade and Economic Integration, geared towards enhancing the  prospects of the blue economy with regional partners. Third, Capacity Building and Disaster  Management, which consisted of maritime infrastructure development and humanitarian  assistance. Fourth, Sustainable Development encourages the prudent use of marine resources.  Finally, Connectivity and Infrastructure, which includes the construction of ports, naval bases,  and provision of digital services in the region. 

Through SAGAR, India sought to brand itself as a net security provider in the IOR by offering  lesser developed countries like Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Seychelles, and Mauritius naval aid,  intelligence, and other assistance services. 

The Shift to MAHASAGAR: Expanding Influence Beyond the Indian Ocean 

The new MAHASAGAR initiative is an extension of SAGAR with a shift of focus from just  maritime security to economic and geopolitical concerns. The term ‘MAHASAGAR’ suggests  more ambitious undertones to India’s maritime objectives as it means ‘Great Ocean’.

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In building on SAGAR, the newly launched MAHASAGAR initiative broadens its scope from  merely maritime security to include broader economic and geopolitical issues. MAHASAGAR,  which translates to “Great Ocean,” captures India’s broader ambition in the global maritime  domain. 

One of the most important features of this initiative is the Strategic Containment of Chinese  Influence. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) along with the String of Pearls strategy have  deepened Beijing’s penetration into the Indian Ocean. MAHASAGAR reinforces India’s  partnerships with smaller island states like Mauritius so that they do not drift away from Indian  interests. The agreements on currency trade and economic cooperation among these countries  diminish external economic influence, thereby increasing regional economic independence. 

Another crucial aspect is strengthening maritime security. The increasing Indian naval exercises,  information sharing, defense collabs, and surveillance of the Indian Ocean increases its security  against piracy, illegal fishing, military expansion, and other threats. As a result, MAHASAGAR  

strengthens India’s regional security role and increases its presence in strategically important  waters. 

Also, Economic Integration and the Expansion of the Blue Economy constitute an important  pillar of MAHASAGAR. The initiative seeks to promote trade and economic activity around the  sea in a sustainable manner. India is trying to enhance supply chain networks in the region, while  also attempting to diminish reliance on China-led economic models. 

Additionally, diplomatic leverage and soft power projection play an equally important role in  MAHASAGAR. India's enhancing collaboration with the Global South grants India the  possibility to aspire as a first among equals in the developing world. Exchanges in culture and  education, and investment in infrastructure and technology help India strengthen its diplomatic  position. 

Finally, Capacity Building and Sustainable Development offer major advantages to India and its  regional partners. Mauritius as a partner strategically benefits from increased spending on  maritime infrastructure and associated skills training. Partner countries can take advantage of  India’s knowledge of renewable energy, climate change, and disasters to develop sustainable  economies. 

Benefits for India 

India stands to gain significantly from the MAHASAGAR initiative, advancing its long-term  strategic goals in the maritime domain. To begin with, it Geopolitically Benefits India by  enhancing its standing as a naval power and contesting China’s strategic incursions. In addition,  it fosters economic development through increased trade and investment and improves regional  economic stability. Lastly, it provides India with Security and Protection by protecting maritime  trade routes and improving India's military presence in the Indian Ocean Region.

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Moreover, MAHASAGAR strengthens India’s Regional Leadership by projecting the country as  a major player in the Global South and consolidating diplomatic partners. Ultimately, it increases  India’s participation in regional infrastructure and digital connectivity projects which enhances  Technological and Infrastructure Development. 

Conclusion 

MAHASAGAR is illustrative of the next step in the maritime vision of India, building on the  successes of SAGAR while expanding the scope to greater economic and strategic depth. By  focusing on security, trade, and sustainable development, India safeguards its interests in the  

Indian Ocean while reinforcing its leadership in the Global South. The initiative stands ready to  transform the geopolitics of the region, creating strong competition for China’s growing  dominance and confirming India’s position as a key player. 

References 

• Mahan, A. (1890). The Influence of Sea Power upon History. Retrieved from:  https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/13529 

• Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). (2025). India’s Maritime Strategy Report. Retrieved  from: https://www.mea.gov.in 

• Indian Navy Report. (2024). Security in the Indian Ocean Region. Retrieved from:  https://www.indiannavy.nic.in 

• Sridharan, K. (2023). India and the Global South: Strategic Diplomacy. Retrieved from:  https://www.orfonline.org 

• National Maritime Foundation. (2024). Maritime Connectivity and Technological  Advancements. Retrieved from: https://maritimeindia.org 

• Pant, H. V., & Rajagopalan, R. P. (2023). China-India Rivalry in the Indian Ocean. Retrieved from: https://www.idsa.in 

• Singh, A. (2024). Regional Stability and India’s Maritime Engagement. Retrieved from:  https://www.isas.nus.edu.sg