DG MP-IDSA Calls for Deeper Strategic Partnerships from “SAGAR to MAHASAGAR” at 16th South Asia Conference
New Delhi, February 24, 2026. The 16th South Asia Conference on ‘SAGAR to MAHASAGAR: Strategic and Development Partnerships’ commenced today at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), convening policymakers, scholars and strategic experts from South Asia and the wider Indian Ocean Region.
In his Special Address, Director General MP-IDSA, Ambassador Sujan R. Chinoy, reflected on the rapidly evolving regional and global landscape and underscored the need for stronger cooperation across an expanding and dynamic neighbourhood framework.
He observed that the conference was taking place “against the backdrop of momentous changes both at the regional and international levels,” citing political transitions in parts of South Asia, persistent cross-border terrorism, and growing instability in the global order. Amb Chinoy noted that the rules-based international system was under strain, with major powers increasingly pursuing unilateral approaches outside established normative frameworks.
Amid rising economic uncertainty and reciprocal tariff measures, Amb Chinoy highlighted that India had responded with strategic autonomy and pragmatic engagement, resulting in the conclusion of several Free Trade Agreements with key partners.
Tracing the evolution of India’s maritime and regional outlook articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he recalled the 2015 announcement of SAGAR—Security and Growth for All in the Region—in Mauritius, followed last year by the expanded vision of MAHASAGAR—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. “Just as ‘Sagar’ means sea and ‘Maha Sagar’ denotes ocean, MAHASAGAR represents a natural progression,” he said, adding, “While SAGAR focused primarily on South Asia and the proximate Indian Ocean Region, MAHASAGAR reflects a broader vision of security and growth that spans regions.” He added that India’s vision of MAHASAGAR could operate at three levels: (1) Its immediate neighbourhood of South Asia, (2) It extended neighbourhood of the IOR and the Indo-Pacific, and (3) the neighbourhood beyond the geographic, to encompass the Global South around the world.
He explained that MAHASAGAR embodies the idea of an “extended neighbourhood,” linking South Asia with Southeast Asia and the African littoral to foster economic prosperity and strategic stability. Such an approach, he noted, would strengthen the strategic autonomy of countries of the Global South at a time of geostrategic uncertainty. Economically, it would seek to connect South Asia’s 1.9 billion-strong market with Southeast Asia’s dynamic economies and Africa’s resource base.
Emphasising the centrality of maritime security, Amb Chinoy cautioned that secure Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) were vital for safeguarding trade and energy flows, particularly in light of recent disruptions in key waterways. He also stressed upon the responsible and sustainable use of ocean resources, noting the regulatory role of the International Seabed Authority under UNCLOS.
Reaffirming India’s human-centric development approach, he highlighted initiatives in digital public infrastructure, climate action, capacity building, and the responsible use of emerging technologies. Referring to the recent AI Impact Summit hosted by India, he noted that its Declaration—endorsed by 89 countries and international organisations—signals broad international consensus on harnessing artificial intelligence for economic growth and social good.
In his concluding remarks, Amb Chinoy underscored that expanding neighbourhoods must not become arenas of domination or dependency. “Stability requires order. Order requires sovereignty, independence, strategic autonomy and balance of power,” he stated. “An imposed or hierarchical order—whether through military, economic or other means—is neither sustainable nor acceptable.”
He reaffirmed that India’s approach was rooted in partnership among equals: “Differences must be resolved through dialogue and peaceful negotiation. Developmental cooperation must remain responsive to the priorities and sensitivities of partner countries.”
The two-day conference brings together distinguished participants from SAARC countries—Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka—along with representatives from Myanmar, Mauritius, Seychelles, ASEAN member states and African Indian Ocean Region partners. Discussions will explore pathways to deepen economic integration, maritime cooperation and strategic collaboration to advance a secure and prosperous region.
