MAHASAGAR, a high-level virtual dialogue hosted by the Indian Navy, brought together maritime leaders from the Indian Ocean region to discuss collective approaches to regional challenges.

India : The Indian Navy successfully hosted the inaugural edition of MAHASAGAR, a high-level virtual interaction dedicated to fostering maritime cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This initiative, whose name translates to “vast ocean,” reflects the Indian government’s vision of SAGAR, which stands for “Security and Growth for All in the Region.”

Held on November 29th, 2023, MAHASAGAR brought together leading figures from the maritime domain, including Chiefs of Navy and senior officials from Bangladesh, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. The dialogue, themed “Collective Maritime Approach towards Countering Common Challenges,” highlighted the crucial need for collaborative efforts to address shared maritime security threats in the IOR.

Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, underscored the importance of regional solutions to regional problems. He emphasized the need for coordinated action and capacity-building initiatives to effectively counter challenges like piracy, terrorism, human trafficking, and illegal fishing, which threaten the stability and prosperity of the IOR.

The dialogue provided a valuable platform for open and candid exchange of views on these critical issues. Participants underscored the importance of information sharing, coordinated patrols, and capacity-building programs to enhance maritime domain awareness and develop collective responses to emerging threats.

With its focus on collaboration and inclusivity, MAHASAGAR has emerged as a significant step towards building a strong maritime security architecture in the IOR. The initiative aligns with India’s vision of SAGAR, which seeks to ensure a peaceful, stable, and prosperous maritime environment for all nations in the region.