Security and Growth for All in the Region

Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) (transl. Ocean) is India's policy or doctrine of maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.

Background

On 12 March 2015, the Prime Minister of India had first taken reference to SAGAR in a speech and elaborated on it in five points. Modi had said, "Our goal is to seek a climate of trust and transparency; respect for international maritime rules and norms by all countries; sensitivity to each other`s interests; peaceful resolution of maritime issues; and increase in maritime cooperation".[1] This was followed by the External Affairs Minister referencing SAGAR in two speeches. However, since then, India has not officially released any single report or document outlining the doctrine or policy. This is not unique to SAGAR, as even the "Ten Principles of India-Africa Cooperation" was mentioned in speeches but not promulgated on paper officially. However, substantial initiatives have been taken which fall within the basic elements of SAGAR.[2][3]

Operations

As part of SAGAR the Indian Navy has assisted countries in the Indian Ocean region with exclusive economic zone surveillance, search and rescue, and other such activities.[4]

COVID-19 relief mission

In the month of May 2020 India dispatched INS Kesari carrying on board 600 tons of food items, two medical assistance teams and essential medicines to the countries in the southern Indian Ocean as part of Mission SAGAR initiative. This relief mission provided assistance to Mauritius, Maldives, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles.[5][6]

MV Wakashio oil spill
Main article: MV Wakashio oil spill

On 17 August 2020 India extended its support to Mauritius government by sending 30 tons of technical equipment and materials, supplementing the oil spill containment and salvage operation. India dispatched ocean booms, river booms, heli skimmers, power packs, blowers, salvage packs, oil absorbent Graphene pads and other accessories onboard C-17 Globemaster of Indian Air Force.[7][8]

References
  1. Jaishankar, Dhruva (2016-09-12). "Indian Ocean region: A pivot for India's growth". Brookings. Retrieved 2020-05-26.
  2. Commander Subhasish Sarangi (2019) Unpacking SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). United Service Institution of India
  3. Dixit, Rekha (6 June 2019). "Modi 2.0 foreign policy to lay stress on 'SAGAR Doctrine' and 'Act East'". The Week. Retrieved 2020-05-26.
  4. "33rd Edition of India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (Ind-Indo Corpat) Commences at Port Blair". pib.gov.in. 19 March 2019. Retrieved 2020-11-29.
  5. May 10, ANI /; 2020; Ist, 16:34. "Mission Sagar: India sends INS Kesari with medical teams, food to Indian Ocean countries | India News - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 2020-08-19.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  6. "Mission Sagar: A major milestone in India's engagement with IOR countries". The Financial Express. 2020-07-01. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  7. "Mauritius oil spill: India sends help to clean the oil spill". The Financial Express. 2020-08-17. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
  8. Chaudhury, Dipanjan Roy. "India rushes emergency technical support to Mauritius to control oil spill as part of extended neighbourhood outreach". The Economic Times. Retrieved 2020-08-19.

Further reading
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