India’s Maritime Strategy: From SAGAR to MAHASAGAR & Viksit Bharat 2047

After Reading This Article You Can Solve This UPSC Mains Model Question:

India’s maritime policy seeks to balance strategic autonomy, economic growth, and international legal obligations. Critically examine. (250 words | GS-2) (GS-2 International Relations)

Context:

India’s maritime sector is in focus following recent policy announcements and investment commitments made during India Maritime Week 2025, where the government highlighted accelerated implementation of Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030. The push aims to strengthen port infrastructure, promote shipbuilding and green shipping, and enhance India’s strategic footprint in the Indian Ocean Region, in line with the SAGAR doctrine and Indo-Pacific priorities.

Core Vision and Strategic Pillars:

1. The Trinity of Core Pillars

Security: Expanding from coastal defense to “Area Dominance” in the IOR, ensuring India remains the “Net Security Provider” and “First Responder.”
Stability: Using maritime diplomacy to ensure a rules-based order, particularly in the face of geopolitical shifts and the climate crisis in the Global South.
Self-Reliance (Aatmanirbhar): Achieving autonomy in shipbuilding, port technology, and underwater capabilities.

2. Strategic Evolution: SAGAR to MAHASAGAR

The MAHASAGAR doctrine (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), unveiled in 2025, marks a significant strategic upgrade.

Feature	SAGAR (2015)	MAHASAGAR (2025)
Geographic Scope	Primarily the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).	Entire Global South, including Africa and Pacific Island Nations.
Philosophy	Inclusive regional growth.	Holistic Advancement involving digital public infra and trade in local currencies.
Security Focus	Anti-piracy and HADR.	Integrated Security (Cyber, AI-driven surveillance, and Underwater Domain Awareness).
Economic Link	Blue Economy and Port-led development.	Green Shipping Corridors and deep-sea mineral exploration (e.g., Carlsberg Ridge).

3. Structural Visions: 2030 vs. 2047

A. Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030

Port Modernization: Aiming for 10,000 MTPA capacity; lowering turnaround times to match global leaders like Singapore.
Inland Waterways: Operationalizing 23+ National Waterways to reduce road/rail congestion.
Smart Ports: Deployment of the National Logistics Portal (Marine) for 100% paperless trade.

B. Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047

Shipbuilding Powerhouse: Reaching the top 5 globally in shipbuilding and recycling by 2047.
Decarbonization: Establishing “Green Hydrogen Hubs” at Deendayal (Kandla) and V.O.C. (Tuticorin) ports.
Financial Autonomy: Creation of the Maritime Development Fund (MDF) with an initial corpus to provide long-term, low-cost financing for Indian-flagged vessels.

Domestic Legal Framework:

Merchant Shipping Act, 2025: Replaced the “bulky” 1958 Act. It simplifies ship registration (allowing online and temporary registration for recycling), expands the definition of “vessels” to include submersibles and offshore rigs, and grants the government powers to detain stateless vessels in Indian waters.
Indian Ports Bill, 2025: Replaced the 1908 Act. It provides statutory status to State Maritime Boards and establishes the Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) to ensure uniform planning across major and non-major ports.
Coastal Shipping Act, 2025: Decoupled coastal trade from international shipping regulations to lower compliance costs for domestic cargo, encouraging a shift from road to sea.

International Laws:

1. United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982

UNCLOS is the primary international legal framework governing oceans and seas. India is a signatory and party to UNCLOS.

Key Provisions Relevant to India

Territorial Sea (up to 12 nautical miles): Full sovereignty of the coastal state.
Contiguous Zone (12–24 nm): Enforcement of customs, fiscal, immigration, and sanitary laws.
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (up to 200 nm): Sovereign rights over natural resources (living & non-living).
Continental Shelf: Rights over seabed resources beyond 200 nm (subject to scientific criteria).
Freedom of Navigation: Applicable beyond territorial waters, subject to international law.

2. International Maritime Organization (IMO)

The IMO, a specialized UN agency, sets global standards for maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.

Major IMO Conventions

SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea): Ship safety standards.
MARPOL: Prevention of marine pollution from ships.
COLREGs: International regulations for preventing collisions at sea.
STCW: Standards for training, certification and watchkeeping of seafarers.

3. Maritime Security Norms & International Law

International Legal Principles

Freedom of navigation & overflight
Peaceful use of seas
Prohibition of piracy
Right of visit & hot pursuit (under specified conditions)

Important Multilateral Platforms in The Indian Ocean Region (IOR):

Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)

Primary pan-Indian Ocean multilateral body
Focus: Maritime security, trade, blue economy, disaster management
India: Founding member; key platform to operationalise SAGAR

Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)

Naval confidence-building forum of IOR navies
Focus: MDA, anti-piracy, HADR, SAR
India: Founder and agenda-setter

BIMSTEC

Sub-regional grouping of Bay of Bengal states
Focus: Maritime connectivity, coastal shipping, blue economy
Strategic link between South Asia & Southeast Asia

Indian Ocean Commission (IOC)

Western Indian Ocean island states
Focus: Fisheries, climate resilience, maritime environment
Important for island diplomacy

Quad

Minilateral Indo-Pacific grouping
Focus: Maritime security, MDA, HADR
Strategic balancing platform

Significance of India’s Maritime Policy:

1. Economic Significance: The “Blue Engine” of 2026

Trade Lifeline: Over 95% of trade by volume and 70% by value (including 85% of crude oil) moves via sea. Securing these Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) is synonymous with Energy Security.
GDP Contribution: The Blue Economy now contributes approximately 4% to India’s GDP, with a roadmap to hit $1 trillion by 2030.
Logistics Revolution: Through the Sagarmala 2.0 initiative, vessel turnaround time has dropped significantly (approaching the 24-48 hour global benchmark), reducing logistics costs from 14% to nearly 9% of GDP.
New Frontiers: India securing mining rights for the Carlsberg Ridge in the Central IOR. Deep-sea mining of Polymetallic Nodules is projected to make India self-reliant in critical minerals (Nickel, Cobalt) for the EV revolution.

2. Strategic & Security Significance: The “Net Security Provider”.

Countering “String of Pearls”: India is neutralizing Chinese influence by developing its own “Necklace of Diamonds”—strategic access to ports like Chabahar (Iran), Duqm (Oman), Sabang (Indonesia), and Agaléga (Mauritius).
Operational Area Dominance: Under Operation Sankalp 2.0, the Indian Navy acts as the “First Responder” against drone warfare (Houthi-linked) and piracy in the Western IOR.
Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC): Positioned at the “mouth” of the Malacca Strait, the ANC is being transformed into a forward-staging base for the Quad and a primary choke-point monitor for the “Malacca Dilemma.”
Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): Through the IFC-IOR (Gurugram), India now provides real-time “live-feed” of ship movements to over 25 partner countries, making it the information hub of the Indian Ocean.

3. Diplomatic Significance: “MAHASAGAR” & The Global South

From SAGAR to MAHASAGAR: In March 2025, the vision was expanded. While SAGAR focused on the immediate neighborhood, MAHASAGAR targets the entire Global South (Africa, Pacific Islands, SE Asia).
Hydrographic Diplomacy: India is gifting survey ships and conducting hydrographic surveys for nations like Vietnam, Kenya, and Mauritius, creating “non-debt” dependencies that contrast with China’s “Debt Trap” diplomacy.
The Quad & IPOI: India leads the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), specifically the “Maritime Security” and “Disaster Risk Reduction” pillars, balancing its ties with the US while maintaining “Strategic Autonomy.”

4. Environmental Significance: The “Green Transition”

Green Hydrogen Hubs: Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023), the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) formally recognized three major ports as Green Hydrogen Hubs in late 2025:
- Deendayal Port (Gujarat)
- V.O. Chidambaranar Port (Tamil Nadu)
- Paradip Port (Odisha)
- Significance: These ports act as focal points for the production, storage, and bunkering of green hydrogen/ammonia, reducing the carbon footprint of global shipping routes.
Harit Sagar Guidelines: Launched to promote “Environmental Friendly” ecosystems at major ports. Objectives include:
- Achieving >60% renewable energy share at major ports by 2030.
- Zero Waste Discharge through “Waste-to-Wealth” ship recycling (India is the world’s 2nd largest ship recycler).
Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP): A 2025–26 push to replace conventional diesel-run harbor tugs with hybrid/electric tugs, aiming for at least 1,000 green vessels by 2029.

5. Technological Significance: The “Deep-Sea & Digital Leap”

India is leveraging 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies to assert its maritime domain authority.

A. Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) & Samudrayaan

The Matsya-6000 manned submersible, developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), is a cornerstone of India’s technological prowess in 2026.

Capability: Designed to carry three scientists to a depth of 6,000 meters.
Strategic Resource: Exploration of Polymetallic Nodules (containing Nickel, Cobalt, Copper) and Gas Hydrates in the Central Indian Ocean—critical for India’s energy transition and semiconductor industry.

B. Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) & Space-Based Surveillance

SBS-3 Mission (Space-Based Surveillance): Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security, this involves launching 52 satellites (21 by ISRO, 31 by private players) to create a “Persistent Surveillance” net over the IOR.
Unmanned Systems: In January 2026, the Navy began inducting 10 Drishti-10 Starliner MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) drones. These indigenous UAVs provide 36-hour continuous monitoring of “dark shipping” (vessels turning off AIS transponders).
Digital Twins & AI: Indian ports are now utilizing AI-driven “Digital Twins” to simulate and optimize vessel turnaround times, reducing idling emissions and operational costs.

Challenges:

1. Geopolitical & Strategic Challenges

The “Dual-Use” Threat: China’s deployment of “scientific” research vessels in the IOR acts as a “grey-zone” threat. These ships map the seabed for submarine warfare while operating under the guise of marine research.
The Transactional Quad (Trump 2.0 Era): As of early 2026, the US approach has become more transactional. Potential tariff wars and the US withdrawal from certain international climate/energy frameworks have strained the strategic trust that underpins Indo-Pacific cooperation.
Neighborhood Volatility: Political instability in island nations (like the Maldives) and the spillover of conflicts in West Asia (impacting the Red Sea) force the Indian Navy to overstretch its resources for “Area Dominance” operations.

2. Economic & Structural Bottlenecks

The “Flagging” Crisis: Despite being a major maritime nation, India’s merchant fleet carries less than 10% of its own EXIM (Export-Import) trade. Dependence on foreign-flagged vessels results in an annual freight drain of nearly $70–80 billion.
Infrastructure Fragmentation: While “Mega Ports” like Vizhinjam and Vadhavan are game-changers, last-mile connectivity to the hinterland remains a weak link, keeping India’s logistics costs around 9-10% of GDP, compared to 6-7% in developed maritime nations.
Shipbuilding Gap: India accounts for less than 1% of the global shipbuilding market, trailing far behind China, South Korea, and Japan. High taxation (IGST on Indian-flagged ships) and high cost of capital make domestic ships uncompetitive.

3. Legal and Federal Challenges

Centralization vs. Federalism: The Indian Ports Bill, 2025, has faced criticism for centralizing power in the Maritime State Development Council. Coastal states argue this undermines their autonomy to develop state-specific ports and handle local maritime disputes.
Regulatory “Blind Spots”: The mandatory registration of all vessels under new laws has increased the bureaucratic burden on small-scale fishermen and traditional boat owners who lack the digital literacy to comply.

4. Environmental & Tec hnological Hurdles

The “Green” Financial Burden: Transitioning to green fuels (Ammonia/Hydrogen) requires massive capital. Smaller shipping players face “compliance shock”—the cost of meeting new IMO and Harit Sagar emission norms could increase fuel expenses by 14% by 2030.
Climate Vulnerability: Rapid warming of the Western IOR is leading to more frequent and intense cyclones, threatening the multi-billion dollar infrastructure of the “Sagarmala” project.
Technological Skills Gap: There is a severe shortage of seafarers and port managers trained in AI-driven logistics, Blockchain for trade, and Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) maintenance.

Way Forward:

1. Strengthening Strategic Autonomy

Expansion of the Merchant Fleet: India must reduce its $80 billion “freight drain” by incentivizing the registration of ships under the Indian flag. The 2026 strategy involves “Assured Cargo Support” for Indian-flagged vessels in government tenders.
Shipbuilding Mission: Utilizing the ₹69,725 crore package (approved in 2025) to move India into the Top 10 shipbuilders globally by 2030. This includes creating “Mega Shipbuilding Clusters” in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat.
Strategic Transhipment: Accelerating the full operationalization of Vizhinjam (Kerala) and Galathea Bay (Andaman & Nicobar) to recapture the 25% of Indian cargo currently transhipped through Colombo and Singapore.

2. Diplomatic and Security Integration

Operationalizing MAHASAGAR: Moving from rhetoric to “Institutionalized Diplomacy” by establishing a dedicated Inter-Ministerial Task Force (MEA, MoD, and Ministry of Shipping) to coordinate maritime aid and security responses.
Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA): Investing in a “Deep Sea Surveillance Grid” using AI and autonomous underwater vehicles to counter the growing presence of foreign “research” vessels in India’s EEZ.
Leadership in Global Governance: Leveraging India’s re-election to the IMO Council (2026-27) to advocate for the interests of the Global South, especially regarding “Fair Transition” in shipping decarbonization.

3. Economic and Environmental “Green Leap”

Green Hydrogen Corridors: Fully operationalizing the Green Hydrogen Hubs at Deendayal and Paradip ports to make India a global “Bunkering Destination” for green ammonia and methanol.
Circular Maritime Economy: Scaling up the Shipbreaking Credit Note Scheme to incentivize the recycling of old ships into new, “Made-in-India” green vessels.
Blue Economy 2.0: Implementing the NITI Aayog’s 2025 roadmap for Deep-Sea Fisheries, focusing on sustainable “Offshore Aquaculture” to double the income of coastal communities.

4. Legal and Administrative Reforms

National Maritime Commission: Establishing a single, overarching regulatory body to eliminate “silos” between the Navy, Coast Guard, and various port authorities.
Maritime Law Modernization: Enacting the Vessels Act (to replace the outdated 1958 MS Act) to allow modern fishing and research vessels to operate legally in the High Seas.

Conclusion:

“India’s transition from a regional observer to a ‘Net Security Provider’ reflects a profound shift in its strategic geography. By evolving the SAGAR doctrine into the more ambitious MAHASAGAR vision, India is not merely securing its coastlines but is positioning itself as the gravitational center of a rules-based Indo-Pacific. As the nation marches toward Viksit Bharat @ 2047, its ability to lead the Global South through maritime diplomacy and ‘Area Dominance’ will be the definitive litmus test of its status as a leading global power.”