Mission Sagar was a humanitarian outreach initiative launched by the Government of India in May 2020 to provide critical assistance to countries in the Indian Ocean region during the COVID-19 pandemic. This mission is part of India's broader foreign policy and maritime strategy, aligned with the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative.
Key Points of Mission Sagar:
- Mission Sagar is a series of relief missions aimed at strengthening India's relationships with its maritime neighbors while providing vital humanitarian aid.
- It is separate from the SAGAR initiative, which is India's maritime policy framework to enhance economic and security cooperation. Mission Sagar focuses on humanitarian outreach, while the SAGAR initiative emphasizes maritime security and regional growth.
Overview of Mission Sagar:
The mission was conducted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and three major phases were undertaken in 2020, followed by subsequent missions. The Indian Navy played a pivotal role, deploying ships to deliver essential goods such as medicines, food, and medical teams to various countries in the Indian Ocean region.
Mission Sagar I:
- Date: Launched on May 10, 2020.
- Vessel: INS Kesari.
- Countries: The mission provided assistance to Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar, Comoros, and La Reunion.
- Objective: Deliver food items, medicines, and medical teams to these nations. India became an observer of the Indian Ocean Commission, furthering its strategic influence.
- Impact: The mission was the first time India undertook a single relief operation covering all island nations in the Western Indian Ocean. INS Kesari traveled over 7,500 nautical miles and returned to India on June 28, 2020.
Mission Sagar II:
- Date: Launched in November 2020.
- Vessel: INS Airavat.
- Countries: Delivered food and essential supplies to Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti, and Eritrea.
- Objective: Apart from humanitarian aid, the mission also aimed to strengthen India's strategic position by engaging with countries along vital shipping lanes between the Red Sea and Suez Canal.
Mission Sagar III:
- Date: Launched in December 2020.
- Vessel: INS Kiltan.
- Countries: Cambodia and Vietnam.
- Objective: Delivered 15 tons of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to aid flood-affected areas in these countries. The mission showcased India's role as a reliable partner in Southeast Asia and emphasized strategic ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Mission Sagar IV:
- Date: March 2021.
- Vessel: INS Jalashwa.
- Country: Comoros.
- Objective: Delivered 1000 metric tonnes of rice to Comoros, marking the second time an Indian naval ship had arrived in Comoros, following the first delivery of medicines and medical teams under Mission Sagar I.
Significance of Mission Sagar:
- Humanitarian Assistance: The mission provided crucial medical supplies, food, and disaster relief materials to countries grappling with the pandemic and natural disasters.
- Strengthening Strategic Relations: India strengthened its geopolitical position by fostering closer relationships with Indian Ocean nations, countering China’s expanding influence through its "String of Pearls" strategy.
- Regional Cooperation: Demonstrated India’s commitment to being the first responder in the Indian Ocean region, contributing to maritime security and disaster relief efforts.
Conclusion:
Mission Sagar reflects India's broader efforts to extend humanitarian aid while reinforcing its strategic influence in the Indian Ocean region. Through this initiative, India not only supports its neighbors during crises but also enhances regional stability and security by fostering strong maritime partnerships.
