India, April 18 -- Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's recent diplomatic engagements in Thailand and Sri Lanka are not isolated events, but rather strategic threads woven into India's broader maritime vision. These visits, alongside the evolution from the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative to the Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR) framework, underscore consolidation of India's position as a preferred security partner and first responder in the Global South. This strategic evolution, building upon the foundational principles of SAGAR, reflects India's growing recognition of the Indian Ocean Region's (IOR) pivotal geopolitical significance.

The IOR, a critical artery...