CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
India has significantly advanced its maritime approach in recent years, with the launch of the Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth for All in the Region (MAHASAGAR) initiative. This comprehensive maritime strategy reinforces India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and strengthens its position as a key maritime player in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). A recent example of this effort is the successful refit of the Maldivian Coast Guard Ship MNDF Huravee at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, underscoring India’s commitment to regional security partnerships.
MAHASAGAR: A Step Beyond SAGAR
The MAHASAGAR framework is an extension of the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision. It focuses on enhancing India’s maritime partnerships through collaborative efforts in security, economic development, and sustainability. The initiative positions India as a trusted maritime security partner across the IOR, addressing both traditional and non-traditional maritime challenges.
Strategic Significance Of Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean serves as a lifeline for global commerce, with nearly 80% of India’s crude oil and 95% of its trade volume passing through it. Strategic maritime chokepoints such as the Strait of Malacca highlight the region’s vulnerability to issues like piracy, trafficking, and geopolitical tensions, requiring robust maritime vigilance.
Naval Engagements And Security Operations
India’s naval diplomacy has expanded, supported by operations like Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR (IOS Sagar) and Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME). The Indian Navy now participates in over 20 joint naval exercises annually, working alongside partner nations to improve interoperability and counter illicit maritime activities.
Boosting Maritime Domain Awareness
India is actively building Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) through strategic initiatives. Key developments include the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) and the National Maritime Domain Awareness (NMDA) project. Additionally, white shipping agreements with friendly nations have strengthened real-time data sharing and threat assessment capabilities.
Economic Development And Blue Economy
MAHASAGAR aligns maritime security with economic initiatives under the Blue Economy model. This includes promoting sustainable fisheries, marine energy exploration, and ocean-based biotechnologies. Infrastructure efforts like the Sagarmala Project aim to modernize ports and improve livelihoods in coastal regions.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite these advancements, India’s maritime sector faces hurdles such as dependency on foreign-built vessels and a lagging domestic shipbuilding industry. Furthermore, political sensitivities in the region can delay policy implementation and cooperation efforts.
Strengthening Regional Alliances
India continues to foster regional cooperation through platforms like IORA, BIMSTEC, and ASEAN. Capacity-building efforts, including training under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, play a critical role in enhancing the maritime capabilities of neighboring nations.
The Way Ahead
As India strives to maintain its role as a net security provider in the region, it must also promote inclusive collaboration. Prioritizing coastal community engagement and addressing emerging challenges like climate change and illegal fishing will be essential for long-term maritime stability and growth.
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