On August 16, 2020, India sent 30 tonnes of technical equipment and material to Mauritius. The country is fighting to contain an oil spill that occurred in its pristine south-east coast.
Highlights
India has deployed a 10-member Indian Coast Guard team under Mission SAGAR to contain oil spill. Earlier in August 2020, a Japanese bulk carrier struck a coral reef coast of Mauritius that leaked 100s of tonnes of oil in the environment sensitive regions of Mauritius.
India has also sent equipment to contain the oil spill. The equipment consists of river booms, ocean booms, heli skimmers, blowers, power packs, oil absorbent graphene pads.
Mission Sagar
Mission SAGAR is Security Growth for All in the Region. It was launched in 2015 to deepen economic and security cooperation with maritime neighbours.
Need for Mission SAGAR
- Mission SAGAR provides opportunity to secure transportation of 80% of global trade.
- The seabed in the Indian Ocean Region provides 32% of global supply of hydrocarbons. The Mission will help protect the resources.
- The Mission helps to check Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean Region.
Significance
The relevance of the mission is seen in conjunction with other policies of India as follows
- Project Sagarmala: Project Sagarmala aims to develop string of ports around Indian Coast. The initiative focuses on supporting port-led development, port infrastructure enhancement.
- Project Mausam: It is a cultural and economic project that aims to connect countries in the Indian Ocean.
- India-a net security provider
- Focus on Blue Economy
COVID-19
In May 2020, around 580 tonnes of essential medicines, Ayurvedic medicines and food supplies were sent to Mauritius under Mission SAGAR. The other countries where the relief supplies were supplied under the mission included Male, Comoros, Seychelles, Madagascar. INS Kesari was deployed in the mission.
Also, a 14-member Naval Medical Assistance team was deputed. The team helped in the formulation of long-term strategy to counter COVID-19.
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