Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions)
iasparliament
February 10, 2026
Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Government policies and interventions
Why in News?
Recently, India and Seychelles launched the Joint Vision SESEL, aligned with India’s MAHASAGAR maritime vision.
It is the Indian Navy’s high-level outreach initiative, conducted biannually as virtual interactions.
Launched in – 2023
Evolution – The Mahasagar vision builds on the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) of 2015.
Shift – Indian Ocean Region (IOR)-centric to Global maritime outreach (Global South).
Key Pillars –
Trade for Development
Capacity Building for Sustainable Growth
Mutual Security for Shared Future
Objectives – Partnerships – Consolidate strategic maritime partnerships with Africa and littoral states.
Security Role – Position India as a preferred security partner and first responder.
Containment – Counter China’s growing maritime influence and String of Pearls strategy.
Integration – Link maritime security with trade, energy security, and supply chains.
Influence – Enhance India’s diplomatic, technological, and infrastructural footprint in the maritime domain.
Associated Projects – AIKEYME Exercise – Improved interoperability with 10 African countries through the AIKEYME Exercise (Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement).
Participants – India and 10 African nations, namely, Tanzania (co-host), Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and South Africa.
IOS Sagar – The deployment of INS Suyana as the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar aids
Strengthening surveillance in Southwest IOR chokepoints.
And, enhanced Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) in Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs).
Agalega Airstrip - Joint India–Mauritius developed airstrip, which acts as a key Indian Navy outpost in the Western Indian Ocean.
Enhanced India’s image as a responsible regional partner (disaster response, oil spills, pandemics).
Boosted defence cooperation, info sharing, and naval exercises.
