India’s Modi to Support Mauritius Sovereignty Over Chagos and Strengthen Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Mauritius to strengthen strategic ties and support the country’s sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago amid U.S. backing. Modi will meet with Prime Minister Ramgoolam during Mauritius’ national day celebrations. This visit aligns with India’s interests in countering China’s regional influence through enhanced military cooperation.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to visit Mauritius for discussions aimed at enhancing strategic partnerships, coinciding with U.S. President Donald Trump’s endorsement of a potential agreement between Mauritius and Britain regarding the future of a U.S.-British military base. Modi is expected to attend Mauritius’ national day ceremony and engage in talks with Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who has resumed his role in 2024.

In light of recent statements by President Trump supporting a resolution regarding the military base in the Chagos Archipelago, Indian officials have expressed optimism over the sovereignty issue. New Delhi, which has consistently backed Mauritius in its claims, is encouraged by the prospect of strengthening military ties in the Indian Ocean to counterbalance China’s influence.

India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, indicated that Modi’s visit will provide Mauritius an opportunity to discuss lingering matters and reaffirm India’s backing for a beneficial resolution. Since Mauritius gained independence from the UK in 1968, London has retained control of the Chagos, displacing approximately 2,000 inhabitants to facilitate the Diego Garcia base, leased to the U.S. in 1966.

Experts assert that maintaining U.S. presence on Diego Garcia serves India’s strategic interests in countering China’s regional expansion. Furthermore, India has supported Mauritius in developing maritime and air routes, specifically in enhancing access to the Agalega Islands. Bashfield suggested that Diego Garcia could potentially function as a landing site for Indian surveillance operations in the Indian Ocean.

Additionally, a source associated with Prime Minister Ramgoolam’s administration underscored Mauritius’ perspective that both India and the U.S. share aligned interests in countering Chinese influence in the region. China has substantially invested in various regional projects, including infrastructure developments across the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

In summary, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Mauritius signifies India’s commitment to supporting Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. This engagement not only enhances bilateral relations but also serves the strategic objective of countering Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean. The expected discussions during this visit could pave the way for a mutually beneficial resolution concerning the military base and further solidify the security ties between India, Mauritius, and the United States.

Original Source: www.usnews.com