India has elevated its SAGAR maritime vision to MAHASAGAR, introducing expansive initiatives like the AIKEYME naval exercise and IOS Sagar deployment to deepen regional cooperation. These efforts, involving multiple African and Indian Ocean countries, reinforce India’s role as a leading maritime security provider and first responder in the region.
India’s MAHASAGAR Vision and Maritime Outreach
India’s Strategic Upgrade: MAHASAGAR Vision
- New Maritime Vision Announced: On the tenth anniversary of SAGAR, India upgraded its regional maritime doctrine to MAHASAGAR, which stands for “Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.”
- Unveiling in Mauritius: Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced this vision during his visit to Mauritius in March 2025.
AIKEYME Exercise with African Nations
- Joint Naval Exercise: India, in partnership with Tanzania, will conduct the AIKEYME exercise from April 13 to 18, involving the navies of ten African nations including Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, and South Africa.
- Two-Phase Operations: The exercise will include a harbour phase with piracy simulations and training, and a sea phase featuring search and rescue drills, VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure) operations, and helicopter exercises.
Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar Initiative
- Regional Naval Deployment: The INS Sunayna will be deployed to the southwest Indian Ocean with a joint crew from India and nine other nations such as Maldives, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka.
- Strengthening Cooperation: This new initiative aims to enhance maritime collaboration among friendly nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Preparatory Training for Exercises
- Naval Training in Kochi: Officers from participating and friendly nations will undergo a two-week training program, including at-sea drills and watchkeeping activities, at a naval school in Kochi.
- On-Ground Observations: Participants will also observe AIKEYME’s harbour phase activities in Dar es Salaam.
India’s Maritime Engagement with Africa
- Ten Principles of Cooperation: PM Modi’s 2018 address to the Ugandan Parliament highlighted security in the Indian Ocean as one of ten foundational principles guiding India-Africa relations.
- Past Naval Engagements: India has collaborated in anti-piracy operations and participated in joint drills like IBSAMAR-VI in South Africa.
The Milan Exercise
- Global Naval Convergence: In February 2024, India hosted the 12th edition of the Milan Exercise, with 53 participating countries, including 16 from Africa.
- Strengthening Naval Bonds: This biennial event strengthens interoperability among partner navies, especially in the Indo-Pacific and African regions.
Technological Boost to Communication
- Launch of NISHAR Terminal: India introduced the NISHAR communication system in 2024 to enhance coordination among partner navies by ensuring faster and more secure information sharing.
Humanitarian Response and Disaster Relief
- India as First Responder: India continues to be a reliable first responder in the Indian Ocean, with the Indian Navy recognized for its swift HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) operations.
- Infrastructure in Mauritius: A new airstrip and jetty were inaugurated at Agalega Island to support quicker emergency responses in the region.
Geostrategic Importance of WIOR
- Strategic Crossroads: The Western Indian Ocean Region (WIOR) lies at a critical maritime junction, making it a hotspot for both cooperation and challenges like piracy and trafficking.
- Emerging Security Concerns: Incidents like attacks on merchant vessels and hijackings underscore the need for collective maritime security measures.
The Future of AIKEYME
- Towards Biennial Exercises: India aims to institutionalize AIKEYME as a biennial event and expand its scope to include West African nations.
- Symbol of Unity: AIKEYME, derived from Sanskrit, signifies unity and supports India’s broader vision of a free, open, and secure Indian Ocean.