Third Edition of ‘MAHASAGAR’ – Enhancing Maritime Security in IOR

Why in the news?

The Indian Navy hosted the third MAHASAGAR edition, focusing on collaborative training with Indian Ocean Region nations to address shared maritime security challenges and enhance regional resilience.

About MAHASAGAR:

  • The Indian Navy hosted the third edition of MAHASAGAR on November 5, 2024, a high-level virtual interaction involving maritime leaders from Indian Ocean Region (IOR) countries.
  • “MAHASAGAR,” meaning “vast ocean” in Hindi, represents India’s flagship initiative for engaging Maritime Heads from IOR nations to promote Active Security And Growth for All in the Region.
  • Initiated in 2023, MAHASAGAR is conducted bi-annually and has been well-received among IOR littoral states.

Third Edition of 'MAHASAGAR' – Enhancing Maritime Security in IOR

Focus of the Current Edition:

  • The event, led by Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, included discussions with Heads of Navies and Maritime Agencies from Bangladesh, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.
  • The theme for this edition was “Training Cooperation to Mitigate Common Maritime Security Challenges in IOR,” emphasising the importance of collaborative training in tackling regional maritime security issues.
  • Participants focused on the critical need for developing training programs to address shared maritime challenges effectively.

    Key Areas of Cooperation:

  • Discussions highlighted the value of collaborative training efforts to build the necessary capacities and skilled manpower across IOR nations.
  • The session underscored quality training and partnership opportunities as key factors for enhancing regional security and fostering resilience against maritime threats.
  • MAHASAGAR continues to be a significant platform for promoting mutual growth, security, and cooperation within the Indian Ocean Region.

About Indian Ocean Region (IOR) :

  • The IOR spans the Indian Ocean and surrounding nations, from Africa’s east coast to Australia’s west coast.
  • Home to 7 billion people, or one-third of the world’s population, with rich cultural diversity across sub-regions.

Strategic and Resource Importance

  • Vital maritime routes handle half of container shipping, one-third of bulk cargo, and two-thirds of oil transport.
  • Region abundant in oil, natural gas, and minerals like gold, tin, and uranium.

Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA):

  • Founded in 1997, includes 23 member states and 12 dialogue partners.
  • Focuses on regional cooperation, including trade, security, and disaster risk management.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/all-eyes-are-now-on-the-indian-ocean-region/