MAHASAGAR: “Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions”

Introduced By: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Announced On: March 12, 2025
Venue: Mauritius
Target Group: Countries of the Global South

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Background:
• Evolution of SAGAR:
MAHASAGAR builds upon India’s previous policy, SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), introduced in 2015. While SAGAR focused on maritime security and economic cooperation in the Indian Ocean region, MAHASAGAR expands this philosophy to the entire Global South, promoting collective development, security, and prosperity across a broader geographical landscape.

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Objectives of MAHASAGAR:

MAHASAGAR focuses on fostering cooperation among Global South countries to ensure inclusive and holistic growth. It has three primary objectives:

1. Trade for Development:
• Promoting trade as a key driver of economic growth and prosperity among developing countries.
• Facilitating increased market access, reduced trade barriers, and improved infrastructure to strengthen economic interdependence.

2. Capacity Building for Sustainable Growth:
• Emphasizing human resource development, education, health, infrastructure, and technological capabilities to foster sustainable growth.
• Strengthening the Global South’s resilience to economic shocks and promoting long-term stability through knowledge-sharing and institutional cooperation.

3. Mutual Security for a Shared Future:
• Recognizing that security threats such as piracy, terrorism, climate change, and pandemics transcend national boundaries.
• Encouraging collective security arrangements, intelligence sharing, and collaborative actions to address transnational threats.

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Implementation Strategies:

India plans to operationalize MAHASAGAR through several actionable strategies:

1. Technology Sharing:
• Encouraging exchange of innovations and technological advancements among developing nations.
• Supporting joint research, capacity-building workshops, and innovation centers.

2. Concessional Loans and Grants:
• Providing financial assistance to Global South countries for critical infrastructure projects.
• Offering favorable terms on loans and financial aid packages to help countries achieve development goals sustainably.

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Strategic Significance for the Global South:
• Solidarity and Unity: MAHASAGAR signifies a strategic commitment to South-South Cooperation, promoting solidarity and unity among developing countries.
• Equitable Global Order: Aims to enhance the collective bargaining power and global influence of developing nations in international forums.
• Shared Prosperity: Facilitates mutually beneficial relationships and regional stability, laying the foundation for sustained economic growth and development.

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India’s Commitment and Global Role:
• MAHASAGAR reflects India’s proactive foreign policy approach, emphasizing collaboration rather than competition.
• Demonstrates India’s intent to play a constructive, responsible role in the international community, especially among developing countries.
• Reinforces India’s position as a key advocate and partner for the Global South in navigating global challenges.

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Conclusion:

MAHASAGAR is envisioned as a transformative initiative, encapsulating India’s diplomatic strategy to enhance cooperation, growth, and security among nations of the Global South. It underscores the importance of collective development and mutual prosperity in shaping a stable and equitable global future.