Source: TH 

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Context :

• From the past decade, Indian Navy has strengthened ties with countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) to enhance maritime security in line with India’s SAGAR vision.
• This includes joint naval exercises coordinated patrols information sharing, humanitarian aid, & capacity building.
• So with this launch of MAHASAGAR in March 2025, the Navy is introducing 2 key initiatives:
  • • IOS Sagar & AIKEYME.
• It is aimed at boosting India’s role as the Preferred Security Partner & First Responder in the region.

Key Details :

1. IOS Sagar (Indian Ocean Ship Sagar)

• It is a maritime security initiative in the Southwest Indian Ocean region.
• Dates: April 5 to May 8, 2025.
• Vessel: INS Sunayna (offshore patrol ship).
• Countries Involved: India + 9 African nations: Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, & South Africa.
• Activities:
  • • It Visits to ports in Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, Seychelles, & Maldives.
    • It do Joint monitoring of the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, & Seychelles.
    • It is Training African personnel in Kochi India on naval operations & security drills.

2. AIKEYME (Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement)

• What it means: AIKEYME stands for Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement & represents Unity in Sanskrit.
• Organizers: Indian Navy & Tanzania People's Defence Force (TPDF).
• Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
• Countries Involved: India + 10 African nations: Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, & Tanzania.
• Dates: 6 days in mid April 2025.
• Inauguration: By the Defence Minister.
• Training & Activities:
  • • Harbour phase: Exercises on piracy & maritime cooperation.
    • Seamanship training & search & seizure operations.
    • Sea phase: Search & rescue drills, small arms training, helicopter operations, & maritime security exercises.

3. SAGAR (Security & Growth for All in the Region)

• Launched: In 2015. It is focusing on a peaceful, open, & prosperous Indo Pacific region.
• Main Goals:
  • • Counter Chinese Influence: it is Strengthening ties with countries in the Indian Ocean region.
    • Maritime Security: it is Combating piracy, terrorism, & illegal activities at sea.
    • Capacity Building: it is Helping other countries with disaster response & infrastructure.
    • Economic Growth: it is Promoting regional trade & investment.
• Related Program: MAHASAGAR focuses on improving maritime security & regional cooperation.

4. Key Indian Initiatives Supporting SAGAR

• South Asia Satellite (SAS): it Improves communication & disaster management among neighboring countries.
• Mission SAGAR: it Provided COVID-19 medical aid to countries in the Indian Ocean region.
• Vaccine Maitri: it Supplied COVID-19 vaccines to nations like Bhutan & Maldives.
• Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project: it Enhances connectivity between India, Myanmar, & Southeast Asia.
  

Source: TH