Evolution and Codification of the MAHASAGAR Strategy: UPSC Current Affairs Story Arc

Overview

This arc tracks the strategic evolution of India's maritime posture from the 2015 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) framework to the more expansive 'MAHASAGAR' vision launched in May 2025. The transition wasn't just rhetorical; it involved a rigorous execution debate at the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2025 in October and culminated in the formal codification of MAHASAGAR within the updated Indian Maritime Doctrine by December 2025. This shift signifies India's ambition to lead capacity building and maritime trade security across the Indian Ocean and the broader Indo-Pacific, aligning naval strategy with national goals like Viksit Bharat 2047 and PM Gati Shakti.

How This Story Evolved

Vision Launched (Item 5) → Execution discussed at IPRD (Item 18) → Incorporated into Doctrine (Item 2)

1. 2025-05-01: India's Naval Modernization and Maritime Strategy
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India focuses on naval modernization and MAHASAGAR Vision for maritime strategy.

   Key Facts:

   • MAHASAGAR Vision
   • 2025
   • maritime trade security
   • capacity building
   • regional cooperation
   • Global South
2. 2025-11-05: Indo-Pacific Dialogue 2025: India's Maritime Vision
   More details

   UPSC Angle: Indo-Pacific Dialogue 2025 focused on maritime security.

   Key Facts:

   • Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2025 concluded on October 30
   • Theme: Promoting Holistic Maritime Security and Growth through Regional Capacity Building and Capability Enhancement
   • Indian Navy executing MAHASAGAR, succeeding PM Modi's SAGAR doctrine
3. 2025-12-03: Navy's New Category in Indian Maritime Doctrine 2025
   More details

   UPSC Angle: Navy's new category in Indian Maritime Doctrine 2025 reflects maritime shifts.

   Key Facts:

   • The updated doctrine incorporates major shifts in India's maritime environment since 2015.
4. 2026-02-18: Goa Maritime Conclave 2026 to Strengthen Maritime Security Cooperation
   More details

   UPSC Angle: Goa Maritime Conclave 2026 to Strengthen Maritime Security Cooperation.

   Key Facts:

   • The Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC-26) will be held on February 21, 2026.
   • The venue is the Naval War College, Goa.
   • The conclave will host representatives from 14 Indian Ocean Region (IOR) countries.
   • The theme is “Common Maritime Security Challenges in the IOR – Progressing Lines of Effort to Mitigate Dynamic Threats”.
5. 2026-02-18: President Murmu Attends International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam
   More details

   UPSC Angle: President attends International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam.

   Key Facts:

   • President Droupadi Murmu addressed the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 on February 18, 2026.
   • The event took place in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
   • Navies from over 70 countries participated in the fleet review.
   • The theme of the event was “United Through Oceans”.
   • President Droupadi Murmu witnessed the International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam on February 18, 2026.
   • Navies of more than 70 countries participated in the International Fleet Review, 2026.
   • The theme of the review is "United Through Oceans".
   • India's approach is guided by 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' or 'the world is one family'.
   • India's vision of MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
6. 2026-02-23: India's push for equitable maritime order
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India aspires to establish an equitable maritime order.

   Key Facts:

   • Exercise Milan
   • 74 countries
   • Increasing international attention to underwater resources, particularly rare-earth minerals, is adding a new dimension to this tension
   • Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi likened Milan to a Mahakumbh
7. 2026-02-26: India's Maritime Strategy Evolves
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India's maritime strategy evolves from SAGAR to MAHASAGAR vision.

   Key Facts:

   • Transition from SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) to MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
   • Exercise MILAN 2026 conducted from February 15 to 25.
   • MILAN 2026 saw participation from 72 countries.
   • Maritime Patrol Aircraft from France, Germany and USA participated.
   • Enhanced Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) through shared surveillance practices improves detection of piracy, trafficking and grey-zone threats.
8. 2026-03-06: Rajnath Singh Calls for India to Lead Maritime Security Efforts
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India to take proactive role in maritime stability amid West Asia conflict.

   Key Facts:

   • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for a proactive role for India in maritime security.
   • Rising conflict in West Asia threatens global shipping routes and energy supply chains.
   • India's economic security is closely tied to the safety of maritime routes.
   • India intends to play a larger role in maintaining peace and stability across the Indian Ocean.
9. 2026-03-07: India backs maritime security frameworks
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India backs maritime security frameworks and adherence to UNCLOS.

   Key Facts:

   • S. Jaishankar: External Affairs Minister
   • UNCLOS: United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
   • IRIS Dena: Iranian frigate sunk by a US submarine on March 4 near Sri Lanka
   • IRIS Lavan: Iranian warship docked in Kochi on March 4 after encountering problems; permission was granted on March 1
10. 2026-03-11: EAM Jaishankar Discusses Maritime Security with Iranian Counterpart
    More details

    UPSC Angle: EAM Jaishankar discusses maritime security with Iranian counterpart.

    Key Facts:

    • Araghchi briefed Jaishankar on tensions involving the United States and Israel, including attacks against Iranian territory and civilians.
    • Araghchi emphasized Iran's commitment to maintaining the safety of shipping routes in the Persian Gulf.
11. 2026-03-07: Jaishankar Defends India's Stance on Iranian Warship Docking
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India allowed Iranian warship docking as a 'humanitarian gesture'.

    Key Facts:

    • India allowed an Iranian warship to dock in Kochi as a 'humanitarian gesture'.
    • The decision was made after the U.S. sank another Iranian Navy vessel off Sri Lanka.
    • The Iranian warship IRIS Dena was sunk by a U.S. submarine on March 4, 2026.
    • The sinking of IRIS Dena resulted in 83 deaths.
12. 2026-03-11: India Deplores Attacks on Commercial Shipping in West Asia
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India deplores attacks on commercial shipping in West Asia.

    Key Facts:

    • Thai ship Mayuree Naree was attacked in the Straits of Hormuz on March 11, 2026.
    • The ship was bound for Kandla in India.
    • The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is leading efforts to improve monitoring and preparedness in the shipping and port sectors.
    • India's Long-Range Identification and Tracking National Data Centre monitors ships in the area, including 35 in the Persian Gulf and three in the Gulf of Aden.
    • India is monitoring 28 merchant ships in Persian Gulf.
    • 10 million Indians in West Asia are being monitored for safety.
    • Centre issues notice to Telegram to remove pirated content after complaints from OTT platforms within 3 hours.
    • Attack on a Thai ship, Mayuree Naree, in the Straits of Hormuz on March 11
    • Ship was bound for Kandla in India
    • India reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members should be avoided
13. 2026-03-15: India's Naval Strategy Reassessed Amidst Regional Competition
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India reassessing naval strategy due to Pakistan's warship acquisitions.

    Key Facts:

    • Pakistan is planning to acquire 50 new warships.
    • India's Navy aims to expand to over 200 major combat vessels.
14. 2026-03-16: India's Maritime Security Plan
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India developing a 'No War No Peace' maritime security plan.

    Key Facts:

    • India is developing a 'No War No Peace' plan for maritime security.

Genesis

Trigger

The launch of the MAHASAGAR Vision on May 1, 2025, which explicitly expanded India's maritime framework to prioritize capacity building for the Global South and maritime trade security.

Why Now

The shift was necessitated by the expiration of the 10-year cycle of the previous doctrine and the need to align maritime strategy with recent national initiatives like 'Viksit Bharat 2047' and 'Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047'.

Historical Context

It builds upon the 2015 SAGAR initiative and the Sagarmala project, which focused on port-led development, now scaling these concepts to a regional security and capability-enhancement level.

Key Turning Points

1. [2025-05-01] Launch of the MAHASAGAR Vision
2. [2025-12-03] Incorporation of MAHASAGAR into the Indian Maritime Doctrine 2025
3. [2026-02-18] President Murmu Attends International Fleet Review 2026
4. [2026-02-21] Goa Maritime Conclave 2026

Key Actors and Institutions

Key Institutions

• Indian Navy
• Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD)
• Ministry of Shipping (Sagarmala)
• Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)

Key Concepts

MAHASAGAR Vision

A high-level maritime strategy launched in 2025 focusing on trade security, capacity building for the Global South, and maintaining a rules-based maritime order.

SAGAR Doctrine

India's previous maritime security doctrine, emphasizing Security and Growth for All in the Region, primarily focused on the Indian Ocean Region.

Viksit Bharat 2047

India's national vision for becoming a developed nation by 2047, influencing the long-term strategic goals of MAHASAGAR.

What Happens Next

Current Status

MAHASAGAR is formally incorporated into the Indian Maritime Doctrine 2025. India is actively engaging with regional partners through events like the Goa Maritime Conclave 2026 and the International Fleet Review 2026 to strengthen maritime security cooperation and demonstrate its capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's statements in February 2026 underscore India's commitment to an equitable maritime order.

Likely Next

Expect a series of bilateral capacity-building exercises with Indian Ocean littoral states to operationalize the 'Capability Enhancement' mandate discussed at IPRD 2025. Increased focus on multilateral engagements through IONS and other forums.

Wildcards

Increased Chinese naval presence in the IOR could accelerate the 'security' aspect of MAHASAGAR, while budget constraints in partner Global South nations might slow the 'capacity-building' goals.

All Events in This Story (14 items)

1. 2025-05-01 [Defense & Security] — India's Naval Modernization and Maritime Strategy
   India is focused on naval modernization, port expansion, and coastal connectivity to unlock its maritime potential. The MAHASAGAR Vision, launched in 2025, expands the framework to encompass maritime trade security, capacity building, and regional cooperation across the Global South.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India focuses on naval modernization and MAHASAGAR Vision for maritime strategy.

   Key Facts:

   • MAHASAGAR Vision
   • 2025
   • maritime trade security
   • capacity building
   • regional cooperation
   • Global South
2. 2025-11-05 [International Relations] — Indo-Pacific Dialogue 2025: India's Maritime Vision
   The seventh edition of the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD 2025) concluded on October 30, 2025, with a focus on "Promoting Holistic Maritime Security and Growth through Regional Capacity Building and Capability Enhancement". Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi emphasized the Indian Navy's execution of MAHASAGAR, succeeding PM Modi's SAGAR doctrine.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: Indo-Pacific Dialogue 2025 focused on maritime security.

   Key Facts:

   • Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2025 concluded on October 30
   • Theme: Promoting Holistic Maritime Security and Growth through Regional Capacity Building and Capability Enhancement
   • Indian Navy executing MAHASAGAR, succeeding PM Modi's SAGAR doctrine
3. 2025-12-03 [Defense & Security] — Navy's New Category in Indian Maritime Doctrine 2025
   The Navy's new category in the Indian Maritime Doctrine 2025 incorporates major shifts in India's maritime environment since 2015. It aligns with national visions such as Viksit Bharat 2047, Sagarmala, PM Gati Shakti, Maritime India Vision 2030, Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and MAHASAGAR.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: Navy's new category in Indian Maritime Doctrine 2025 reflects maritime shifts.

   Key Facts:

   • The updated doctrine incorporates major shifts in India's maritime environment since 2015.
4. 2026-02-18 [Defense & Security] — Goa Maritime Conclave 2026 to Strengthen Maritime Security Cooperation
   The fifth edition of the Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC-26) will be held at the Naval War College, Goa, on February 21, 2026, bringing together Chiefs of Navy and senior representatives from 14 Indian Ocean Region (IOR) countries. The theme for this year's edition is “Common Maritime Security Challenges in the IOR – Progressing Lines of Effort to Mitigate Dynamic Threats”.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: Goa Maritime Conclave 2026 to Strengthen Maritime Security Cooperation.

   Key Facts:

   • The Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC-26) will be held on February 21, 2026.
   • The venue is the Naval War College, Goa.
   • The conclave will host representatives from 14 Indian Ocean Region (IOR) countries.
   • The theme is “Common Maritime Security Challenges in the IOR – Progressing Lines of Effort to Mitigate Dynamic Threats”.
5. 2026-02-18 [Defense & Security] — President Murmu Attends International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam
   President Droupadi Murmu attended the International Fleet Review 2026 in Visakhapatnam, with navies from over 70 countries participating, emphasizing unity, trust, and respect among nations for maritime traditions. The theme, "United Through Oceans," captures the spirit of togetherness, promoting collective responsibility and cooperative action for a sound maritime order. India's vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) guides its approach to international relations and maritime domain.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: President attends International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam.

   Key Facts:

   • President Droupadi Murmu addressed the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 on February 18, 2026.
   • The event took place in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
   • Navies from over 70 countries participated in the fleet review.
   • The theme of the event was “United Through Oceans”.
   • President Droupadi Murmu witnessed the International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam on February 18, 2026.
   • Navies of more than 70 countries participated in the International Fleet Review, 2026.
   • The theme of the review is "United Through Oceans".
   • India's approach is guided by 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' or 'the world is one family'.
   • India's vision of MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
6. 2026-02-23 [International Relations] — India's push for equitable maritime order
   Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India aspires to establish an equitable maritime order based on international rules and freedom of navigation. He also added that a comprehensive global naval architecture can further strengthen the legal framework provided by the UN Convention on the Law of Seas (UNCLOS) to address matters related to international waters.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India aspires to establish an equitable maritime order.

   Key Facts:

   • Exercise Milan
   • 74 countries
   • Increasing international attention to underwater resources, particularly rare-earth minerals, is adding a new dimension to this tension
   • Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi likened Milan to a Mahakumbh
7. 2026-02-26 [Defense & Security] — India's Maritime Strategy Evolves
   India's maritime strategy has evolved from the IOR-centric SAGAR vision in 2015 to the broader MAHASAGAR vision, reflecting its rising maritime capabilities and role as a security provider across the Indo-Pacific. Exercise MILAN 2026, with participation from 72 countries, highlights India's transition to shaping maritime norms and reinforcing a rules-based order.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India's maritime strategy evolves from SAGAR to MAHASAGAR vision.

   Key Facts:

   • Transition from SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) to MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
   • Exercise MILAN 2026 conducted from February 15 to 25.
   • MILAN 2026 saw participation from 72 countries.
   • Maritime Patrol Aircraft from France, Germany and USA participated.
   • Enhanced Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) through shared surveillance practices improves detection of piracy, trafficking and grey-zone threats.
8. 2026-03-06 [Defense & Security] — Rajnath Singh Calls for India to Lead Maritime Security Efforts
   Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has emphasized the need for India to take a more proactive role in ensuring maritime stability amid rising conflict in West Asia, which threatens global shipping routes and energy supply chains. Addressing a gathering focused on defence and strategic affairs, Singh highlighted the importance of stronger naval preparedness and greater leadership from India in protecting critical sea corridors that support international trade. He noted that ongoing hostilities involving Iran, Israel, and the United States have raised concerns about disruptions in the Gulf region, a key passage for global energy transportation.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India to take proactive role in maritime stability amid West Asia conflict.

   Key Facts:

   • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for a proactive role for India in maritime security.
   • Rising conflict in West Asia threatens global shipping routes and energy supply chains.
   • India's economic security is closely tied to the safety of maritime routes.
   • India intends to play a larger role in maintaining peace and stability across the Indian Ocean.
9. 2026-03-07 [International Relations] — India backs maritime security frameworks
   External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated India supports regional frameworks for maritime security and adherence to international laws, particularly UNCLOS, after the sinking of an Iranian warship by the US. Jaishankar emphasized India's role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region and highlighted the importance of safeguarding Indian seafarers and nationals in West Asia.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India backs maritime security frameworks and adherence to UNCLOS.

   Key Facts:

   • S. Jaishankar: External Affairs Minister
   • UNCLOS: United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
   • IRIS Dena: Iranian frigate sunk by a US submarine on March 4 near Sri Lanka
   • IRIS Lavan: Iranian warship docked in Kochi on March 4 after encountering problems; permission was granted on March 1
10. 2026-03-11 [International Relations] — EAM Jaishankar Discusses Maritime Security with Iranian Counterpart
    External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi to discuss escalating regional tensions, maritime security, and bilateral cooperation. They exchanged views on the impact of the conflict on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: EAM Jaishankar discusses maritime security with Iranian counterpart.

    Key Facts:

    • Araghchi briefed Jaishankar on tensions involving the United States and Israel, including attacks against Iranian territory and civilians.
    • Araghchi emphasized Iran's commitment to maintaining the safety of shipping routes in the Persian Gulf.
11. 2026-03-07 [International Relations] — Jaishankar Defends India's Stance on Iranian Warship Docking
    External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that India allowed an Iranian warship to dock in Kochi as a 'humanitarian gesture' after the U.S. sank another Iranian Navy vessel off the coast of Sri Lanka. This decision followed the sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena by a U.S. submarine on March 4, 2026, which resulted in 83 deaths.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India allowed Iranian warship docking as a 'humanitarian gesture'.

    Key Facts:

    • India allowed an Iranian warship to dock in Kochi as a 'humanitarian gesture'.
    • The decision was made after the U.S. sank another Iranian Navy vessel off Sri Lanka.
    • The Iranian warship IRIS Dena was sunk by a U.S. submarine on March 4, 2026.
    • The sinking of IRIS Dena resulted in 83 deaths.
12. 2026-03-11 [International Relations] — India Deplores Attacks on Commercial Shipping in West Asia
    India expressed concern over attacks on commercial shipping, specifically a Thai ship bound for Kandla, India, in the Straits of Hormuz on March 11, 2026, and reiterated that targeting commercial ships and endangering civilian crew members should be avoided. India is enhancing its maritime security measures to protect its seafarers, vessels, and trade in response to rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India deplores attacks on commercial shipping in West Asia.

    Key Facts:

    • Thai ship Mayuree Naree was attacked in the Straits of Hormuz on March 11, 2026.
    • The ship was bound for Kandla in India.
    • The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is leading efforts to improve monitoring and preparedness in the shipping and port sectors.
    • India's Long-Range Identification and Tracking National Data Centre monitors ships in the area, including 35 in the Persian Gulf and three in the Gulf of Aden.
    • India is monitoring 28 merchant ships in Persian Gulf.
    • 10 million Indians in West Asia are being monitored for safety.
    • Centre issues notice to Telegram to remove pirated content after complaints from OTT platforms within 3 hours.
    • Attack on a Thai ship, Mayuree Naree, in the Straits of Hormuz on March 11
    • Ship was bound for Kandla in India
    • India reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members should be avoided
13. 2026-03-15 [Defense & Security] — India's Naval Strategy Reassessed Amidst Regional Competition
    India is reassessing its naval strategy as Pakistan aims to acquire 50 new warships, escalating military competition in the Indian Ocean. This has triggered concerns in India about maintaining its strategic advantage in South Asia's waters, especially regarding trade routes. India's Navy's 30-year roadmap includes expanding its fleet to over 200 major combat vessels with a focus on indigenous design and construction.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India reassessing naval strategy due to Pakistan's warship acquisitions.

    Key Facts:

    • Pakistan is planning to acquire 50 new warships.
    • India's Navy aims to expand to over 200 major combat vessels.
14. 2026-03-16 [Defense & Security] — India's Maritime Security Plan
    India's naval doctrine recognizes the ocean is always a contested space and is developing a 'No War No Peace' plan for maritime security.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India developing a 'No War No Peace' maritime security plan.

    Key Facts:

    • India is developing a 'No War No Peace' plan for maritime security.