EAM S Jaishankar Showcases India’s ‘MAHASAGAR Outlook’ at G7, Calls for Stronger Indo-Pacific Maritime Security
New Delhi | November 13 (TheTrendingPeople.com) — India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar underscored New Delhi’s growing leadership in the Indo-Pacific maritime domain, presenting India as a “first responder” for regional security and humanitarian missions during a special G7 Foreign Ministers’ session on maritime security held on Wednesday.
Addressing his G7 counterparts, Jaishankar outlined India’s “MAHASAGAR outlook” — a framework that integrates maritime safety, cooperation, and port-led development — while highlighting India’s proactive efforts to enhance Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) partnerships through joint exercises and logistics agreements across the Indo-Pacific.
India as the ‘First-Responder’ in the Maritime Domain
Speaking at the session, Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to securing global sea routes and maritime corridors, describing India’s expanding naval and humanitarian role as pivotal to maintaining stability in the region.
“India has emerged as a first-responder in the maritime domain,” he said, noting that New Delhi’s efforts to strengthen HADR partnerships are a key component of its foreign policy vision for the Indo-Pacific.
The minister emphasized that maritime cooperation is not limited to naval strategy but extends to economic connectivity, sustainable ocean governance, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
The MAHASAGAR Outlook: India’s Vision for Maritime Cooperation
Jaishankar’s remarks drew attention to India’s holistic MAHASAGAR outlook, which focuses on:
- Maritime awareness and security;
- Advancement of port-led development under Sagarmala;
- Humanitarian assistance and disaster response;
- Alliance-building in the Indo-Pacific;
- Security cooperation through logistics frameworks;
- Access to resilient supply chains;
- Global commons preservation;
- Anti-piracy and anti-smuggling coordination;
- Responsible use of ocean resources.
This framework, the minister noted, aims to integrate India’s national initiatives with its international partnerships, ensuring that maritime growth is both inclusive and secure.
Key Recommendations at the G7 Maritime Session
In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar outlined India’s specific proposals to strengthen global maritime security and connectivity. He stressed:
“The imperative of trusted and diversified maritime links. India’s efforts in upgrading its shipping infrastructure and developing resilient corridors. The need for better coordination in protecting critical maritime and undersea infrastructure.”
He also called for enhanced cooperation to combat maritime threats, including piracy, smuggling, and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
“Maritime trade is vital to both national and international prosperity. Resilient ports and secure waterways are central to safeguarding our collective future,” he stated, adding that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) must continue to serve as the legal foundation for global maritime governance.
Global Coordination and G7 Partners’ Response
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who attended the session, shared a picture on X featuring Jaishankar and other foreign ministers. He reiterated the importance of safe and open waterways as the “backbone of the global economy.”
“From the Gulf of America to the Pacific, safe and open waterways are the backbone of the American economy, carrying U.S. products to markets around the world. We engaged in important discussions with our G7 partners today on more coordination in support of maritime security,” Rubio wrote.
The session also saw convergence among G7 nations and invited partners, including India, Australia, and South Korea, on the need to expand joint naval exercises, strengthen infrastructure protection, and share real-time intelligence on transnational maritime threats.
Bilateral Meetings on the Sidelines
Earlier on Wednesday, Jaishankar met Marco Rubio for a bilateral discussion on the sidelines of the summit. During the meeting, Rubio expressed condolences on the tragic Delhi blast earlier this week that claimed several lives.
“Good to meet @SecRubio this morning at #G7 FMM. Appreciate his condolences on the loss of lives in the blast in Delhi,” Jaishankar posted on X.
“Discussed our bilateral ties, focusing on trade and supply chains. Exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict, the Middle East/West Asia situation and the Indo-Pacific.”
On Tuesday, Jaishankar also held a series of bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Canada, Mexico, France, Brazil, South Africa, the UK, and Germany, covering a broad range of issues including energy transition, digital trade, and global south cooperation.
India at the G7: A Strategic Partnership under Canadian Presidency
India is participating in the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting as an invited partner under the Canadian presidency, along with countries such as Brazil, Australia, and South Korea.
The two-day summit focuses on global security, economic resilience, energy cooperation, and strengthening Indo-Pacific partnerships amid growing global challenges — from maritime competition to energy disruptions.
India’s participation reflects its expanding role in shaping international dialogues on maritime safety, climate resilience, and sustainable growth, in line with its Neighbourhood First and Act East policies.
Upholding the Rules-Based Maritime Order
In his closing remarks, Jaishankar reiterated that India’s engagement in maritime security is rooted in the principles of freedom of navigation, respect for sovereignty, and adherence to international law, particularly UNCLOS.
He emphasised that the future of global trade, digital connectivity, and energy transition depends on secure, stable, and inclusive maritime systems.
“India stands ready to collaborate with like-minded partners to build a safer, stronger, and more resilient Indo-Pacific,” he concluded.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
At a time of evolving geopolitical shifts, EAM S. Jaishankar’s message at the G7 underscores India’s transition from a regional maritime power to a trusted global partner. Through its MAHASAGAR outlook, New Delhi is positioning itself not only as a defender of open seas but also as a catalyst for cooperation, sustainability, and humanitarian leadership.
As global attention turns to the Indo-Pacific, India’s voice at the G7 signals a clear vision: secure oceans, shared prosperity, and a rules-based maritime future.