SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Area) is India's maritime cooperation policy or ideology in the Indian Ocean region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi originally announced the strategy on March 12, 2015.
Although no official documentary on SAGAR's approach has been released, there have been a number of projects and countless marine events that may be considered part of it.
Vision of SAGAR
Prime Minister Narendra Modi articulated a vision for the SAGAR initiative in a keynote address to the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), saying, "Our vision for the Indian Ocean Region is rooted in advancing cooperation in our region and to use our capabilities for the benefit of all in our common maritime home."
Based on this vision of the SAGAR initiative can be defined under the following terms:
- Security: Coastal security should be improved so that land and maritime territories can be protected with reasonable ease.
- Building Capacity: Strengthening economic and security cooperation to ensure smooth economic commerce and marine security.
- Promoting collaborative action in the face of natural catastrophes and marine dangers such as piracy, terrorism, and emerging non-state actors.
- Sustainable Development: Improving regional collaboration in order to achieve long-term regional development.
- Maritime Engagement: Engaging with nations outside of our borders in order to foster stronger confidence and promote adherence to maritime laws, conventions, and peaceful dispute settlement.
To know more about other Government Schemes, visit the linked article
Why is SAGAR mission required?
The Security and Growth for all in the Region initiative is required for the following reasons:
Why is SAGAR mission required?
The Security and Growth for all in the Region initiative is required for the following reasons:
- Through this programme, India may benefit from the Blue Economy. A blue economy offers a way to address the country's socioeconomic difficulties. Furthermore, connection with its neighbours can be improved.
- Regional issues like catastrophes and piracy can be addressed. Through the implementation of the SAGAR project, a more integrated approach and cooperative future will be conceivable.
- China has been pushing its influence in the Indian Ocean area through the 21st Century Maritime Silk Route. This is a double-edged blade, since the String of Pearls policy has both commercial and military ramifications. With this in mind, the SAGAR vision is critical in the country.
Strength and Weaknesses of SAGAR vision
Like many initiatives, the Security and Growth for all in the Region have its fair share of weaknesses and strength
India's biggest strength in the SAGAR effort is its centre location in the Indian Ocean, which allows it unlimited access to the whole Indian Ocean region. It also possesses significant capabilities that it can share with its maritime neighbours, such as powerful and capable maritime security forces, shipyards capable of building aircraft carriers and submarines, massive industrial complexes, banking institutions, and space assets, to mention a few.
The political leadership has always recognised that enhancing India's marine domain is one of the greatest ways to defend the country. There India has focused on issues that are of priority to the smaller nations – security of natural resources, sustainable development, protection from natural disasters, and controlling the ill-effects of marine pollution and climate change.
SAGAR Initiative – UPSC Notes:-Download PDF Here
Weaknesses: The SAGAR initiative's capability and implementation are its major flaws. India has the capability to supply marine assets, but it lacks the competence to implement them. Due to a lack of capacity and international cooperation, it will fall short of meeting the expectations of its marine neighbours.
It might also be claimed that India's military diplomacy capabilities has yet to be fully realised because to its cautious approach to contributing additional assets and men, as well as its internal governance procedures. The private sector's capability has not been fully used, accompanied by the SAGAR initiative
Conclusion
The pillars of SAGAR make up India's IOR policy, and significant steps have been taken to implement it.
On each of these fundamental parts, work has been done. The Indian endeavour will be centred on the country's sustained economic progress and prosperity. Any slowdown in its economy will put a stop to all of its efforts.
To counteract these consequences, a regional legally-binding agreement on marine genetic resources should be reached under the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS).
0 Comments