Indian Navy and Mauritius Coast Guard Begin Joint EEZ Patrol Under SAGAR Vision
In a significant step towards strengthening regional maritime security, INS Teg, a frontline warship of the Indian Navy, has arrived at Port Louis, Mauritius as part of its operational deployment to the South West Indian Ocean Region. The visit, scheduled from 19 to 22 June 2025, aims to enhance defense cooperation between India and Mauritius, and to support efforts to secure the Indian Ocean’s Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) from illegal activities.
The deployment reflects India’s commitment to cooperative maritime security and its larger vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). During this visit, INS Teg will join hands with the Mauritius National Coast Guard (NCG) for joint EEZ surveillance operations, which include coordinated missions using ships and aircraft to monitor the region’s waters.
This collaboration is vital for both nations as it directly addresses the challenge of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, a threat that undermines marine ecosystems, damages local economies, and encourages transnational crime. The joint patrols are expected to act as a strong deterrent while reinforcing the shared commitment to rule-based maritime governance.
India-Mauritius Naval Cooperation Strengthens Peace in the Indian Ocean
India and Mauritius have maintained a robust defense relationship over the years, especially in the maritime domain. The arrival of INS Teg builds upon that legacy and showcases India’s growing blue-water navy capabilities in extending security partnerships with smaller Indian Ocean nations.
The Indian Navy’s sustained presence in the South West Indian Ocean also contributes to ensuring the safety of global commons, keeping international sea lanes safe for trade and navigation. By partnering with regional actors like Mauritius, India not only acts as a net security provider but also fosters trust-based, people-centric diplomatic relationships.
Moreover, this engagement reflects India’s policy of capacity-building for friendly nations and a commitment to maritime stability that benefits all stakeholders in the region. With rising geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific, deployments like that of INS Teg serve as strategic reassurance to partner nations, emphasizing that India remains a responsible and reliable maritime power.
As regional security challenges evolve, such cooperative deployments will play a pivotal role in preserving peace, preventing illegal maritime activities, and supporting sustainable economic growth across the Indian Ocean Region.
