Mahasagar Doctrine

Recently, India announced a USD 450 million reconstruction assistance package for cyclone Ditwah-affected Sri Lanka, aligning the support with its MAHASAGAR policy.

About the MAHASAGAR Doctrine

• MAHASAGAR is a maritime strategic doctrine of India that represents an extension of the SAGAR doctrine.
• Unlike SAGAR, MAHASAGAR expands the focus from only maritime security to include economic and geopolitical concerns.
• The term “MAHASAGAR”, meaning “Great Ocean”, signifies the broader and more ambitious scope of India’s maritime objectives.
• The overall objective of the MAHASAGAR doctrine is to strengthen India’s leadership in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• The doctrine also aims to enhance India’s role in the Global South, which refers to developing countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• This leadership is pursued through inclusive growth, ensuring shared economic benefits for partner countries.
• It further emphasizes maritime and regional security, focusing on stability and cooperation.
• The doctrine integrates sustainable development, highlighting long-term environmental and economic resilience.

About the SAGAR Doctrine

• The SAGAR doctrine, which stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region, was launched by India in 2015.
• SAGAR aimed to enhance India’s maritime engagement with neighbouring and littoral countries.
• The doctrine was structured around five core pillars guiding India’s maritime outreach.
  1. The first pillar focused on Security Cooperation to address maritime threats collectively.
  2. The second pillar emphasized Trade and Economic Integration to boost regional prosperity.
  3. The third pillar promoted Capacity Building and Disaster Management, strengthening partner countries’ resilience.
  4. The fourth pillar highlighted Sustainable Development, balancing growth with environmental protection.
  5. The fifth pillar concentrated on Connectivity and Infrastructure, improving maritime links and logistics across the region.