India's Commitment to the Global South: Modi’s MAHASAGAR Vision
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated India’s commitment to strengthen ties with the Global South during his visit to Mauritius, where he announced the MAHASAGAR vision. This vision expands upon the 2015 SAGAR initiative, which stands for Security and Growth for All in the (Indian Ocean) Region.
Mauritius: A Strategic Partner
- Mauritius is located in the western Indian Ocean, 2,000 km from East Africa, with a population of 1.2 million, mainly of Indian origin.
- It is a prosperous democracy in the developing world with a GDP of over $14 billion, expected to grow to $29 billion by 2029, and a per capita income of $11,600.
- Mauritius has maintained a close relationship with India since its independence in 1968.
Implementation of SAGAR Vision
- India has played a key role in environmental security, such as providing assistance during the 2020 oil spill near Mauritius and disaster relief during Cyclone Chido in 2024.
- During the Covid pandemic, India sent vaccines and medicines to Mauritius, highlighting its role as a first responder.
Strategic Importance of Island Nations
- In the colonial era, Great Britain and France leveraged island nations to consolidate maritime power, which remains relevant today.
- China is expanding its influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) through the Belt and Road Initiative, with increased presence in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Djibouti.
MAHASAGAR Vision and Global Strategic Dynamics
- MAHASAGAR aims to strengthen ties with smaller states, enhancing maritime domain awareness and curbing illegal activities.
- Medium and smaller powers are seeking credible partners, given their experiences with China and the US.
- India is perceived as a more benign partner in the Indo-Pacific, offering long-term opportunities in the maritime domain.
Challenges in Policy Implementation
While maritime visions of SAGAR and MAHASAGAR are commendable, their implementation has faced challenges such as inadequate doctrinal underpinning and monitoring, necessitating a reassessment for effective realization.