India Expands Naval Outreach, Strengthens Maritime Ties with Africa

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Mauritius to celebrate the country's National Day, marking a significant step in India's maritime outreach strategy. During this visit, Modi introduced the Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR), building on his earlier SAGAR initiative, which aims to enhance maritime cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This visit highlights India's efforts to solidify its influence in the strategically important Western Indian Ocean Region amidst increasing competition from global powers, particularly China. The Indian Navy is actively involved in maritime capacity building, evidenced by agreements to share surveillance information and enhance coast guard capabilities. Additionally, India is set to co-host the Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) exercise with Tanzania, furthering its military outreach in Africa and reinforcing regional security partnerships. This comprehensive approach reflects India’s commitment to fostering stability and cooperation in the IOR and beyond.