India launched Mission Sagar on Sunday as part of the government’s outreach initiative towards five Island nations in the Indian Ocean amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

About Mission SAGAR:

As part of the Government of India outreach amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Indian Naval Ship Kesarihas departed for Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and Comoros, to provide Food Items, COVID related Medicines including HCQ Tablets and Special Ayurvedic Medicines with Medical Assistance Teams embarked, on 10 May 20.

While the Maldives is in India’s immediate maritime neighbourhood, the other nations are far-away islands near the southern African mainland and count as part of the African continent.

This deployment as ‘Mission Sagar’, is in line with India’s role as the first responder in the region and builds on the excellent relations existing between these countries to battle the COVID-19 pandemic and its resultant difficulties.

The deployment is in consonance with the India’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region ‘SAGAR’ .The operation is being progressed in close coordination with the Ministries of Defence and External Affairs, and other agencies of the Government of India.SAGAR highlights the importance accorded by India to relations with her neighbouring countries and further strengthens the existing bond.

As part of Mission Sagar, Indian Naval Ship Kesari would enter the Port of Male in Republic of Maldives, to provide them 600 tons of food provisions. India and Maldives are close maritime neighbours with strong and extremely cordial defence and diplomatic relations.

About SAGAR:

1. SAGAR is a term coined by PM Modi in 2015 during his Mauritius visit with an emphasis on blue economy.
2. The goal is to seek a climate of trust and transparency; respect for international maritime rules and norms by all countries; sensitivity to each other`s interests; peaceful resolution of maritime issues; and increase in maritime cooperation.
3. It is in line with the principles of Indian Ocean Rim Association.