Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday unveiled India’s ‘Mahasagar’ vision for the Global South, a big upgrade of the ‘Sagar’ vision he initially presented in 2015. Addressing his two-day state visit to Mauritius, Modi highlighted India’s resolve to deepen trade, security, and sustainable growth among the developing world.
‘Mahasagar’ Vision: Growing India’s Leadership in the Global South
A decade after he floated the ‘Sagar’ vision (‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’), Modi announced the enlarged ‘Mahasagar’ scheme, which means ‘Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.’
“Ten years ago, the foundations of the Vision Sagar, meaning ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’, were laid in Mauritius. We have moved forward with Sagar vision for the region’s stability and prosperity. Now our vision for Global South will be Mahasagar, meaning ‘Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions’. This comprises trade for development, capacity building for sustainable growth, and the feeling of mutual security for shared future,” Modi said in Hindi.
Strengthening India-Mauritius Relations: Enhanced Strategic Partnership
Modi and Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam upgraded their bilateral relations to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership during the visit. The two leaders signed several agreements on various sectors, such as security cooperation, scientific cooperation, financial assistance, and diplomatic training programs.
One of the major takeaways of the visit was the opening of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation in Mauritius. Modi termed the institute as an important centre for research, learning, and public service, reaffirming India’s position in promoting global education and leadership.
Mauritius Awards Modi with Highest Civilian Honour
In a first-of-its-kind moment in history, Mauritius awarded its highest civilian honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean, to PM Modi. He was the first Indian and only the fifth foreigner to be given this prestigious award.
“The people and the government of Mauritius have decided to confer upon me their highest civilian honour. I humbly accept this decision with great respect. This is not just an honour for me, it is an honour for the historic bond between India and Mauritius,” Modi said in the ceremony held in Port Louis. He dedicated the award to “the 140 crore people of India and the centuries-old friendship between our nations.”
Bilateral Dialogue: Emphasis on Development and Innovation
As per the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Modi and Ramgoolam had a dialogue to consolidate cooperation in strategic sectors such as infrastructure, housing, digital technology, artificial intelligence, and healthcare.
By solidifying its economic and strategic presence in the Indian Ocean region, India’s ‘Mahasagar’ vision marks a new era in its leadership of the Global South, encouraging greater international cooperation for mutual prosperity.