As part of its ‘Mission Sagar-II’, the Government of India is extending assistance to Friendly Foreign Countries to tackle natural calamities along with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. A prime example of this aid is the contribution of food by INS Airavat to help the citizens of Sudan.
The Role and Impact of Mission Sagar-II
Following the first iteration of ‘Mission Sagar’ in 2020, Mission Sagar-II continues India’s outreach. The Indian Naval Ship Airavat has taken up the responsibility to distribute food aid to Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti, and Eritrea. In addition, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, Seychelles, and La Réunion, all members of the Indian Ocean Commission, are also recipients of India’s assistance. India has recently earned the status of an observer in the Commission as a nod to India’s proactive role as a key responder in the Indian Ocean region.
SAGAR: Indian Prime Minister’s Vision
This humanitarian deployment aligns well with the Prime Minister’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). India previously dispatched the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kesari, laden with food supplies and medical assistance teams, to South Indian Ocean countries combatting the COVID-19 crisis under the “Mission Sagar” initiative.
Strategic Importance of Island Countries
The strategic worth of these island nations lies in their geographical placement alongside crucial Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs). During peaceful times, these islands allow for naval presence along important international shipping routes, and during conflict they provide options for interception and communication cut-off.
International Collaborative Initiatives
India emphasized its commitment to reducing the socio-economic impact of the pandemic on vulnerable sections of society and promoting South-South cooperation during the 65th anniversary of the Bandung Conference. In response to the global pandemic, the International Solar Alliance (ISA) installed ISA CARES, a program aimed at implementing solar energy in healthcare.
Trade Tensions and New Supply Chain Proposals
With growing trade tensions between China and the United States disrupting supply chains, Japan has suggested the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI), which identifies India and Australia as key partners.
Global Health Contributions and Efforts
The Coalition of Epidemic Preparedness for Innovation (CEPI) selected India’s Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) as one of six labs globally to test Covid-19 vaccine candidates currently under development. India also contributed 10 million USD to the SAARC Covid-19 Emergency Fund and produced essential drugs, Covid protection kits and testing tools for SAARC countries.
SAGAR Vision: 2015 Onward
Launched in 2015, Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) encapsulates India’s strategic vision for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Through SAGAR, India aims to foster economic and security ties with maritime neighbors, aid in building their maritime security capacities, safeguard national interests, and uphold the Indian Ocean region as inclusive, collaborative, and respectful of international law.
Groupings Integral to Indian Ocean Region
India participates in several important groupings relating to the Indian Ocean Region, including The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), Indian Ocean Commission, and Asia Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC), strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the region.
