New Delhi, July 2: India’s maritime strategy has evolved into a broader leadership perspective. It began with the concept of ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ (SAGAR) and has now expanded to ‘Mutual and Comprehensive Progress for Security and Development Across Regions’ (MAHASAGAR). This approach aligns with Japan’s vision of a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ (FOIP), as highlighted by Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in a recent article.
The initiatives from both countries’ prime ministers illustrate a democratic partnership in the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing security alongside development and collective resilience.
In today’s uncertain world, India and Japan are confident that their shared vision will not only enhance maritime security but also empower countries in the Global South to choose their own paths forward.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi first introduced India’s policy for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) in March 2015 with the SAGAR concept. This was during the commissioning of the offshore patrol vessel Barracuda, built by Kolkata’s Garden Reach Shipbuilders in Mauritius.
The aim of SAGAR was to maintain peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region. Modi described SAGAR as India’s responsibility to act as a ‘reliable partner’ in security, promoting trust, transparency, and peaceful resolution of maritime disputes.
Ten years later, in March 2025, during another visit to Mauritius, Modi launched MAHASAGAR. This initiative expands the previous vision, indicating India’s desire to play a leadership role not just in the Indian Ocean but also for countries in the Global South.
MAHASAGAR promotes a vision that prioritizes security alongside development, trade, and environmental sustainability. Interestingly, in many Indian languages, ‘Sagar’ means sea, while ‘Mahasagar’ translates to ocean, symbolizing India’s broader global maritime outlook, particularly focused on the Global South, as noted by India’s former ambassador to Thailand, Suchitra Durai.
According to her, Modi’s engagements and visits to countries like Mauritius, Maldives, Trinidad and Tobago, Ghana, and the Philippines are linked to the MAHASAGAR vision.
Similarly, Takaichi’s article connects her FOIP vision with Modi’s initiatives. She emphasized that a truly free and open region should allow every country to choose its path without external pressure, highlighting India as a crucial partner. She noted that India, as a maritime nation, has taken significant steps to maintain regional stability and empower neighboring countries.
This alignment in thinking is evident. While Japan’s FOIP policy emphasizes the rule of law and freedom of navigation, India’s MAHASAGAR adds a development dimension to this framework.
Together, these initiatives offer a democratic alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its ‘String of Pearls’ strategy in the Indian Ocean.
The Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a critical strategic area in the 21st century. China’s military activities in the South China Sea and its growing influence in South Asia have raised concerns among smaller nations. Even influential countries like the United States are recalibrating their responsibilities and policies in light of new circumstances. This presents an opportunity for mid-level powers like India and Japan to step forward.
For India, MAHASAGAR will help establish it as a responsible power, focusing on security, cooperation, and trust. For Japan, FOIP ensures that democratic values and freedom of maritime routes remain integral to regional order.
For the entire Global South, MAHASAGAR and FOIP provide an alternative to dependency on China, fostering partnerships and self-determination.
The historical friendship between India and Japan is deeply rooted in cultural and civilizational ties. In recent years, this relationship has evolved into a robust and purpose-driven partnership.
At both regional and international levels, initiatives like the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) and defense collaborations through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), which includes the U.S. and Australia, are key components of their relationship.
Under AAGC, India and Japan are already collaborating on projects in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and several African nations.
As Japan’s FOIP and India’s MAHASAGAR converge, a new pathway for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific may emerge—one that integrates security, development, and a collective approach to resilience.
In a world filled with uncertainty, India hopes that this expansive vision will not only strengthen maritime security but also gain the trust of countries in the Global South.
Leave a Comment