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Mission Sagar was a humanitarian outreach by India to assist Indian Ocean countries during COVID-19. Through Mission Sagar, India reaffirmed its maritime partnership vision.
Madhavi Gaur
April 07, 2024
Mission Sagar is one of India’s most impactful diplomatic and humanitarian missions, aimed at providing essential support to friendly foreign countries, particularly during times of crisis. It is a reflection of India’s commitment to regional solidarity and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Under this initiative, India deployed its naval assets to deliver critical aid, including food, medical supplies, and emergency support to various countries.
Mission Sagar, initiated by the Indian government in May 2020 as part of its commitment to providing essential assistance to Indian Ocean countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, marked a significant humanitarian outreach effort. This endeavor was subsequently followed by Mission Sagar II in November and Mission Sagar III in December of the same year.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Mission Sagar aligns with the broader vision of SAGAR (SECURITY and Growth for All in the Region), although it’s essential to note that Mission Sagar and the SAGAR initiative are distinct entities. While Mission Sagar focuses on humanitarian and inter-country outreach, the SAGAR initiative is a policy doctrine centered on maritime cooperation.
Launched in May 2020, Mission Sagar showcased India’s commitment to regional cooperation and maritime diplomacy. The Indian Navy, under this mission, covered over 35,000 nautical miles, reaching multiple Indian Ocean Region (IOR) nations. These efforts extended over 200+ operational days, directly benefiting thousands of citizens and strengthening bilateral ties. The consolidated aid included:
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kesari recently arrived at the Port of Maputo, Mozambique, to deliver 500 tonnes of food aid, supporting the Government of Mozambique in addressing the challenges of an ongoing drought and the concurrent issues posed by the pandemic. In addition to the food aid, India has also provided Mozambique with two fast interceptor craft and self-defence military equipment. This deployment aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and is being executed in close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs and other government agencies.
Mission Sagar is in harmony with the SAGAR initiative, which envisions economic and security cooperation between India and its maritime neighbors.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, India undertook a series of three missions in 2020, utilizing its naval ships to deliver essential humanitarian aid to its maritime partners. These missions played a crucial role in realizing the objectives of the SAGAR initiative by providing vital support to neighboring countries.
Let’s delve into the specifics of each of the Mission Sagar endeavors:
In May 2020, INS Kesari set sail, carrying food, medicines, and medical assistance teams. Its journey covered Indian Ocean nations, including Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar, Comoros, and La Reunion. These nations are members of the Indian Ocean Commission, with India being an observer.
This mission marked the first time a single relief mission covered all the island nations in the Western Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka, although not part of the journey, received supplies via airlift by the Indian Air Force.
INS Kesari returned to Kochi port on June 28, 2020, after traveling over 7,500 nautical miles during 55 days.
In November 2020, INS Airavat embarked on its mission, delivering food to Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti, and Eritrea. Besides fulfilling humanitarian goals, this mission strategically bolstered India’s position in the region, as these countries lie along a vital shipping route connecting the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, making them strategically significant.
December 2020 saw the launch of INS Kiltan, which headed toward Cambodia and Vietnam with 15 tons of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to aid disaster recovery efforts following catastrophic floods in Vietnam and Cambodia. This mission reaffirmed India’s commitment as a dependable partner and first responder in Southeast Asia while emphasizing the importance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in strengthening regional ties.
In March 2021, INS Jalashwa arrived at Port Anjouan, Comoros, delivering 1000 metric tonnes of rice. This marked India’s second naval mission to Comoros, with the previous Mission Sagar I involving the delivery of medicines and medical assistance teams.
In addition to providing vital humanitarian aid, India’s efforts through Mission Sagar also serve to counter the Chinese ‘string of pearls’ doctrine and other instances of expanding regional influence.
These missions showcase India’s commitment to supporting its maritime neighbors, fostering regional cooperation, and contributing to global efforts in times of crisis.
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