Why in news?
India announced a USD 450 million aid package for cyclone Ditwah-affected Sri Lanka on December 23, 2025, aligning with MAHASAGAR's disaster response pillar. The Indian Maritime Doctrine 2025, released on Navy Day (December 4), integrates MAHASAGAR with national initiatives like Sagarmala and Maritime India Vision 2030, stressing joint tri-service operations and grey-zone warfare readiness.
About
- The Mahasagar Doctrine is India’s expanded maritime and geopolitical vision, unveiled in 2025, building upon the earlier SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy.
- It emphasizes India’s leadership in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and the Global South, focusing on security, trade, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.
- MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
- The word Mahasagar means "Great Ocean," symbolizing India’s ambition to expand its influence beyond the Indian Ocean.
Objectives
- Strengthen India’s leadership in the Indian Ocean and Global South.
- Promote inclusive growth, security, and sustainable development.
- Enhance trade, technology-sharing, and economic cooperation.
- Build resilience against climate change and disasters.
- Expand connectivity and infrastructure projects.
Core Pillars
- Security Cooperation – Maritime safety, counter-piracy, naval exercises.
- Trade for Development – Economic integration, technology transfer, trade facilitation.
- Capacity Building & Disaster Management – Humanitarian aid, reconstruction packages (e.g., Sri Lanka cyclone aid worth USD 450 million).
- Sustainable Development – Climate resilience, renewable energy, blue economy.
- Connectivity & Infrastructure – Ports, shipping lanes, digital networks.
Strategic Importance
- Positions India as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean.
- Counters China’s Maritime Silk Route and growing influence in IOR.
- Strengthens India’s role in the Global South, aligning with South-South cooperation.
- Enhances India’s soft power through humanitarian aid and inclusive development.
Comparison: SAGAR vs. MAHASAGAR
| Aspect |
SAGAR (2015) |
MAHASAGAR (2025) |
| Focus |
Indian Ocean security & growth |
Global South security, trade, development |
| Scope |
Maritime-centric |
Maritime + economic + geopolitical |
| Acronym |
Security and Growth for All in the Region |
Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions |
| Key Objective |
Net security provider in IOR |
Leadership role in Global South |
| Example Initiative |
Naval cooperation |
$450M aid to Sri Lanka, Mauritius outreach |
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