During his two-day visit to Mauritius, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to the Global South by unveiling the MAHASAGAR vision on March 12. This initiative builds upon his earlier SAGAR concept — Security and Growth for All in the Region — which he first introduced in 2015 at Port Louis during his inaugural visit to the island nation a decade ago.
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Mauritius: A Beacon of Democracy and a Cherished Indian Ally
Mauritius, situated in the western Indian Ocean around 2,000 kilometers off the southeastern coast of East Africa, stands out as one of the most successful and thriving democracies among developing nations. Renowned for its steadfast partnership with India, the island nation is home to 1.2 million people, predominantly of Indian descent, and boasts a GDP exceeding $14 billion, projected to grow to $29 billion by 2029, with a per capita income of $11,600. Since gaining independence from Britain in 1968, Mauritius has cultivated a strong and enduring bond with India — a relationship Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly acknowledged by stating, “For us, Mauritius is family!”.
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Mauritius: A Testament to India’s SAGAR Vision in Action
Mauritius serves as a prime example of the gradual realization of the 2015 SAGAR vision. Over the years, India has extended significant support to the island nation. In April 2020, when a massive oil spill near Mauritius posed a serious threat to environmental security, India promptly acted as a first responder by airlifting technical equipment and personnel. During the Covid pandemic, Indian naval ships delivered essential vaccines and medicines to the country. More recently, in December 2024, when Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc in the region, India swiftly provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
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Colonial Maritime Strategies: Leveraging Island Dominance for Global Power
Geography grants nations unique maritime characteristics, making island nations strategically significant for major powers. During the colonial era, Great Britain secured its dominance by leveraging its maritime and naval foresight, acquiring and investing in key islands. Similarly, France took advantage of island possessions to strengthen its influence, while Germany faced challenges in enhancing its maritime power.
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Renewed Strategic Focus on Island States in the Indian Ocean Region
In the modern era, major powers are once again turning their attention to island states with heightened strategic interest. In the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), France and the United States maintain a resident presence through their territories in Réunion and Diego Garcia, respectively. Meanwhile, China is making inroads via the Belt and Road Initiative, with its expanding footprint evident in countries like Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Djibouti — a blend of economic, trade, and military engagements.