On May 10, 2020, the Government of India has launched “Mission Sagar”, an outreach programme amidst COVID-19 pandemic. The mission aims at providing food items, Ayurvedic medicines related to COVID-19, HCQ tablets to Maldives, Madagascar, Seychelles and Comoros.
Highlights
- The Indian Naval Ship Kesari has been deployed under the mission.
- The operation is being conducted under close cooperation of Ministry of Defence and Ministry of External Affairs.
- The mission has been deployed under close consonance with the India’s vision “SAGAR” in the Indian Ocean.
What is SAGAR Vision?
- In 2015, India introduced its vision of Indian Ocean called “SAGAR”, Security and Growth for All in the Region.
- India aims to seek economic and security cooperation with its neighbours (especially maritime neighbours) under the vision.
- In order to achieve this India would cooperate on exchange of information, building of infrastructure, coastal surveillance and strengthening mutual capabilities.
Analysis
- The mission can easily be related with India’s SAGAR vision.
- India has strong Naval presence in all the four countries included in the mission.
- In 2019, India and Maldives agreed to complete the previously stalled Coastal Radar Surveillance System (CSRR) in Maldives.
- In 2018, India and Seychelles agreed to set up a naval base at Assumption Island.
- In October 2019, India and Comoros signed defence agreements.
- India extended a line of credit of 20 million USD to Comoros for the procurement of High-Speed Interceptor Boats.
- In 2007, India erected its first listening post on foreign soil at Madagascar.
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