India and Mauritius: Navigating Great Power Rivalries in the Indian Ocean

This article explores the strategic relationship between India and Mauritius against the backdrop of rising international competition in the Indian Ocean. It highlights Kwang Poon’s insights on Mauritius’s pressing needs, the significance of its location for global trade, and the implications of US and Chinese influences in the region.

The article examines the evolving dynamics of India and Mauritius amid the heightened power rivalries in the Indian Ocean region. Kwang Poon, a geo-strategist in Mauritius, emphasizes more pressing domestic issues, such as water supply, over the proposed new parliament building. He asserts that India’s strategic partnership indicates its growing influence during an era of intensified competition among nations like the US, France, and China.

Poon highlights that Mauritius, positioned in the south-west Indian Ocean, has experienced ongoing power disputes. The impending visit of French President Emmanuel Macron underscores the longstanding ties from the island’s colonial past. With the French language prevalent in Mauritius and significant tourist influx from France, these relations are poised to strengthen.

China also plays a substantial role, as its products significantly permeate Mauritian markets. Distinctively, Mauritius has refrained from aligning wholly with the Belt & Road Initiative, showcasing its independence in foreign relations. Poon speculates on the potential ramifications of improving India-China relations and the broader trade impacts on Mauritius, suggesting that Chinese trade to Africa may surge.

Moreover, given Mauritius’s strategic location, Poon describes it as a vital trans-shipment hub for trade between Africa and China. He envisions that Mauritius could rival logistics giants like Singapore, illustrating its natural advantages in maritime trade routes.

Additionally, the ongoing construction of a large US embassy in Port Louis signals rising American interest in the region, accentuated by the US’s military presence at Diego Garcia. However, Poon contemplates whether this American engagement could diminish India’s influence in Mauritius, suggesting that India must strategically adapt to continue meeting Mauritian needs effectively and maintain its role in the area.

In summary, the relationship between India and Mauritius is complex and influenced by multiple international powers. Strategic partnerships and the focus on pressing domestic issues, such as water infrastructure, underscore Mauritius’s importance in regional geopolitics. As power rivalries intensify, both India and Mauritius will maneuver to balance their interests amidst the growing involvements of the US, France, and China.

Original Source: stratnewsglobal.com