MAHASAGAR also another word for vast ocean, is the Indian Navy’s outreach initiative for a high level virtual interaction between Maritime Heads for Active Security And Growth for All in the Region.
The Indian Navy’s outreach initiative, MAHASAGAR, conducted its maiden edition as a virtual interaction between the Indian Chief of the Naval Staff, and heads of navies and maritime agencies from the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) littorals.
Participating nations included several members of IORA
Participating nations included several members of IORA such as:-
- Bangladesh
- Comoros
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Mozambique
- Seychelles
- Sri Lanka
- Tanzania
What is India’s SAGAR?
India’s SAGAR (announced in 2015), which stands for ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region,’ is a vision and policy framework designed to enhance maritime cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The initiative emphasizes the importance of promoting collective security and sustainable development for the benefit of all nations in the region.
Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)
Aspects
The Indian Ocean Rim Association (founded 1997; HQ: Ebene, Mauritius), formerly known as the Indian Ocean Rim Initiative is an international Intergovernmental organization consisting of 23 states bordering (including India) the Indian Ocean and 11 dialogue partners.
Previous Presidency
Bangladesh held the chairmanship from November 2021 – November 2023
Goal
To strengthen regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region.
Origin
The vision for IORA originated during a visit by Nelson Mandela to India in 1995. It emphasize socio-economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean rim.
Member State
Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Yemen.
Fisheries Support Unit
Support Unit (FSU) Provides advice and makes decisions on fisheries management and issues such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Significance of Indian Ocean
It commands control of major sea lanes carrying half of the world’s container ships, one-third of the world’s bulk cargo traffic, and two-thirds of the world’s oil shipments, serving as a vital lifeline for international trade and transport.
FAQs
Q1. What is the aim of the Indian Ocean Rim Association?
Ans1. The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is a dynamic inter-governmental organization aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region through its 23 Member States and 9 Dialogue Partners.
Q2. When was the Indian Ocean Rim Association established?
Ans2. The organization was first established as Indian Ocean Rim Initiative in Mauritius on March 1995 and formally launched on 6–7 March 1997 by the conclusion of a multilateral treaty known as the Charter of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Co-operation
Q3. What is the Mahasagar Initiative?
Ans2. MAHASAGAR also another word for vast ocean, is the Indian Navy’s outreach initiative. It is for a high level virtual interaction between Maritime Heads for Active Security And Growth for All in the Region.
Read Also: Why is India reaching out to Latin America?
