The concept of SAGAR, which is an acronym for Security and Growth for All in the Region, is a vision and geopolitical framework for India's maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It was first enunciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2015 during his visit to Mauritius. The vision was created to address the strategic importance of the IOR, counter rising non-traditional threats like piracy and terrorism, and offer an inclusive alternative to the growing geopolitical competition, particularly China's "String of Pearls" strategy. SAGAR positions India as a "net security provider" and "first responder" in the region, guided by the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
The framework functions through a multidimensional mechanism focused on three core areas: enhancing maritime security, promoting the Blue Economy, and capacity building for littoral states. Key mechanisms include implementing the Integrated Coastal Surveillance System and sponsoring coastal radar systems in IOR countries, such as the Maldives, to improve maritime domain awareness. India also provides patrol vessels and shares technical expertise and training with smaller coastal nations. SAGAR is closely connected to India's broader foreign policy initiatives, including the Act East Policy and the Neighbourhood First Policy. It also complements the domestic maritime infrastructure project, Sagarmala. The concept has evolved, with the vision being extended to the wider Indo-Pacific region, and PM Modi referring to it as the SAGAR doctrine in a 2018 speech in Singapore. A recent development is the announcement of Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions (MAHASAGAR) by PM Modi in March 2025, which is an expansion that builds upon the original SAGAR foundation.