On December 25, Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kesari reached Port of Maputo, Mozambique carrying 500 tonnes of food aid as part of SAGAR Mission, which is dubbed as “Security and Growth for All in the Region” Mission.

Key Points

• 500 tonnes of food aid were shipped to support the efforts of Government of Mozambique to tackle the challenges of ongoing drought and covid-19 pandemic.
• India is also committed to support the capacity building efforts of the Mozambique Armed Forces. To support thus, INS Kesari also carried two Fast Interceptor Craft and self-defence equipment, which will be handed over to the Armed Forces of Mozambique.

Significance of the aid

Extending aid to Mozambique was the eighth such deployment in accordance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of SAGAR.  It is being conducted in association with the Ministry of External Affairs, and other agencies. Such deployments were conducted in solidarity with extended maritime neighbourhood of India. It also highlights the importance India accords to these special relationships.

Other Missions by INS Kesari and Indian Navy

During May-June 2020, INS Kesari had undertaken similar mission to provide humanitarian and medical assistance to India’s extended neighbourhood including Mauritius, Maldives, Madagascar, Seychelles, and Comoros. INS has deployed Medical Assistance Teams of the Indian Navy at multiple locations. Indian Navy has deployed ships across 15 friendly foreign countries since May 2020, under SAGAR Mission.

SAGAR Mission

The Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) Mission was launched in 2015. This mission is India’s strategic vision for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Through this mission, India aims to strengthen economic and security cooperation with its maritime neighbours as well as seeks to assist in building their maritime capabilities. India further seeks to safeguard its national interests and ensure IOR to become inclusive & collaborative in accordance with the international law. Mission SAGAR is significant for India when it is seen in conjunction with other policies by India like Project Sagarmala, Project Mausam, Act East Policy etc.