Prime Minister Modi’s Visit to Mauritius: Strengthening Strategic Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Mauritius to enhance strategic ties, coinciding with U.S. support for a deal concerning the Chagos Archipelago, crucial for military operations. This visit underscores India’s backing of Mauritius against Chinese influence in the region and represents an opportunity for deeper collaboration with both Mauritius and the U.S.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Mauritius for discussions aimed at enhancing strategic partnerships. This visit follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s expressed support for a deal between Mauritius and Britain regarding the U.S.-British military base in the Chagos Archipelago. Modi will participate in the country’s national day celebrations and meet with Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who recently returned to office for a third term in 2024.

President Trump highlighted his endorsement of a deal concerning the future of the Chagos Archipelago, which includes Diego Garcia, the largest island currently utilized as a military base by the U.S. and Britain since the 1970s. Indian officials view the evolving Chagos sovereignty situation as advantageous, particularly as New Delhi has historically supported Mauritius’s claims over the islands and recognizes the importance of U.S. presence in the Indian Ocean to counter Chinese influence.

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri noted that during Modi’s visit, there would be opportunities for Mauritius to discuss outstanding concerns, emphasizing India’s continued support for Mauritius’s negotiations to secure a satisfactory resolution. Since gaining independence in 1968, Mauritius has seen London maintain control over the Chagos, displacing thousands to accommodate the military base.

Samuel Bashfield, an Indo-Pacific security expert, emphasized that retaining U.S. presence on Diego Garcia serves India’s interests in countering Chinese expansion. India has also been aiding Mauritius in enhancing its maritime and aerial capabilities, particularly focusing on the Agalega Islands. Bashfield mentioned that Diego Garcia could serve as an essential asset for Indian surveillance activities in the region.

There is a shared interest between Mauritius, India, and the U.S. in managing China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean, as the nation has heavily invested in infrastructure across neighboring countries. The collaborative efforts may strengthen regional stability as these nations work together against hegemonic challenges.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forthcoming visit to Mauritius is strategically significant, marking an effort to reinforce ties amid changing geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean. With the backing of U.S. support regarding the Chagos sovereignty issue, the visit highlights India’s commitment to cooperate with Mauritius and the U.S. in countering Chinese influence in the region. As India enhances its role in Mauritian maritime infrastructure, the collaboration promises mutual benefits and improved security for all parties involved.

Original Source: www.business-standard.com