Introduction

India has reaffirmed its commitment to the Global South through a series of diplomatic and strategic initiatives, most recently with the unveiling of the MAHASAGAR vision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Mauritius. This initiative builds upon the 2015 SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, which was also introduced in Mauritius, marking a decade of India’s maritime strategy. As global geopolitical dynamics shift, India aims to strengthen its maritime presence, support regional stability, and foster economic growth in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

India and Mauritius: A Special Partnership

Mauritius holds a pivotal place in India’s diplomatic and strategic landscape. Located in the western Indian Ocean, about 2,000 km from the southeastern coast of East Africa, Mauritius is one of the most successful democracies in the developing world. With a population of 1.2 million (predominantly of Indian origin) and a GDP exceeding $14 billion—expected to reach $29 billion by 2029—the island nation is both an economic and strategic asset. Its per capita income of $11,600 further highlights its economic stability.

Since gaining independence from Britain in 1968, Mauritius has shared a strong bond with India, built on historical, cultural, and economic ties. Prime Minister Modi emphasized this relationship by declaring, “For us, Mauritius is family.” This sentiment is reflected in India’s continuous support to Mauritius, from economic assistance to disaster relief efforts.

SAGAR and the Expansion to MAHASAGAR

In 2015, Modi introduced the SAGAR vision in Port Louis, focusing on regional security, economic collaboration, and maritime stability. The primary objectives of SAGAR were to:

1.     Ensure maritime security by addressing piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking.

2.     Promote sustainable economic growth through trade and investment.

3.     Strengthen disaster response and humanitarian assistance.

4.     Enhance maritime domain awareness (MDA) for smaller island nations.

India has been proactive in realizing SAGAR through tangible actions. In April 2020, when a major oil spill near Mauritius posed an environmental threat, India swiftly deployed technical equipment and personnel for containment efforts. Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, India provided life-saving vaccines and medical aid. More recently, in December 2024, following Cyclone Chido’s devastation, India quickly dispatched humanitarian assistance and disaster relief teams.

Building on SAGAR, the MAHASAGAR vision expands India’s strategic approach by incorporating broader geopolitical and security considerations. The initiative seeks to enhance India’s role as a regional leader, strengthen partnerships with smaller island nations, and counter growing Chinese influence in the IOR.

Strategic Significance of Island Nations in Global Geopolitics

Historically, island nations have played a crucial role in maritime geopolitics. During the colonial era, Britain and France consolidated their naval dominance by acquiring strategic islands, while Germany struggled to expand its maritime influence. This trend continues today, with major powers focusing on island states for strategic positioning.

In the IOR, both France and the United States maintain military outposts in Réunion and Diego Garcia, respectively. Meanwhile, China has been aggressively expanding its influence through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with significant investments in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Djibouti. These efforts blend economic, trade, and military strategies, often leading to debt dependency among smaller nations.

India’s MAHASAGAR vision is a strategic response to this evolving geopolitical landscape. By positioning Mauritius as a bridge to the broader Global South, India can enhance maritime security cooperation, promote sustainable investments, and counterbalance China’s expansionist policies. Key areas of focus include:

• Maritime domain awareness (MDA) to improve surveillance and security.
• Combatting illegal activities at sea, such as piracy and illegal fishing.
• Infrastructure development to support regional trade and economic growth.

India’s Role in the Indo-Pacific and the Quad Framework

India’s maritime vision aligns with the broader Indo-Pacific strategy, particularly within the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), which includes the United States, Australia, and Japan. The Quad seeks to ensure a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, countering coercive tactics employed by China.

India distinguishes itself as a benign and trustworthy partner in the region, unlike China, whose lending practices under the BRI have been criticized as exploitative. Countries like Sri Lanka and Pakistan have struggled with debt distress due to unsustainable Chinese loans. Similarly, the United States under Donald Trump has adopted a more transactional approach to foreign policy, which some critics have labeled as “extortionist.”

Against this backdrop, India’s MAHASAGAR vision offers an alternative based on:

1.     Long-term capacity-building rather than debt-driven investments.

2.     Sustainable economic partnerships that prioritize mutual growth.

3.     Regional security cooperation with Quad partners to ensure stability.

By integrating MAHASAGAR with the Quad’s objectives, India can strengthen its maritime influence while providing smaller nations with sustainable, non-exploitative development opportunities.

Challenges in Implementation: Lessons from SAGAR

While the MAHASAGAR vision is commendable, its success depends on effective implementation. The SAGAR initiative, despite its ambitious goals, has faced several challenges over the past decade:

1.     Lack of Doctrinal Clarity – Unlike China’s BRI, which follows a structured expansion model, India’s maritime policies have often lacked a coherent doctrine, leading to inconsistencies in execution.

2.     Insufficient Institutional Capacity – India’s maritime efforts have been hindered by limited bench strength, affecting its ability to respond swiftly to regional developments.

3.     Inadequate Monitoring Mechanisms – Many SAGAR initiatives have suffered from weak oversight, leading to delays and inefficiencies.

To ensure the success of MAHASAGAR, India must focus on:

• Strengthening maritime infrastructure to support regional cooperation.
• Enhancing inter-agency coordination between defense, diplomacy, and trade bodies.
• Developing a structured roadmap with clear policy guidelines and execution timelines.

An objective review of SAGAR’s progress could provide valuable insights into overcoming these challenges and ensuring that MAHASAGAR achieves its intended objectives.

Conclusion

India’s maritime strategy, from SAGAR to MAHASAGAR, represents a significant step toward strengthening its regional leadership. Mauritius, with its historical and strategic ties to India, plays a key role in this vision. As geopolitical dynamics shift in the Indo-Pacific, India’s emphasis on maritime security, sustainable partnerships, and regional cooperation differentiates it from coercive economic powers like China.

However, the success of MAHASAGAR will depend on efficient execution. Addressing institutional weaknesses, enhancing maritime capabilities, and aligning with broader Indo-Pacific strategies will be crucial. If implemented effectively, MAHASAGAR can reinforce India’s position as a responsible maritime power, offering a sustainable alternative to predatory economic practices in the region.