Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Mauritius to reinforce strategic ties and support the country’s sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. This visit follows President Trump’s backing for a deal with Britain regarding the U.S.-British military base on Diego Garcia. India’s support aligns with its interests in countering China’s regional influence, enhancing maritime cooperation, and turning a favorable page in Indo-Pacific security.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Mauritius to discuss enhancing strategic relations, coinciding with U.S. President Donald Trump’s expressed support for a deal regarding the future of the U.S.-British military base on the Chagos Archipelago. During the visit, Modi will be the chief guest for Mauritius’s national day and will hold talks with Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who returned to office in 2024.
The Chagos Archipelago comprises seven atolls and over 60 islands in the Indian Ocean, with Diego Garcia being the largest and serving as a British-U.S. military base since the 1970s. Indian officials view the resolution of the sovereignty issue over Chagos positively, as India has traditionally backed Mauritius’s claims while also supporting U.S. presence in the region to counter Chinese influence.
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri mentioned that Modi’s trip provides an opportunity for Mauritius to share updates on ongoing matters and emphasized India’s strong support for Mauritius in pursuing a beneficial agreement. Despite Mauritius gaining independence in 1968, London has maintained control over the Chagos, displacing approximately 2,000 residents for the military base leased to the U.S. in 1966.
Experts indicate that preserving U.S. military presence on Diego Garcia is strategic for India as a counterbalance to China. India has also facilitated the development of air and sea links in the Agalega Islands, enhancing its strategic footprint in the Indian Ocean. Additionally, there are concerns over China’s investments in infrastructure across neighboring countries, aimed at extending their influence in the region.
Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to Mauritius marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations and supporting Mauritius’s sovereignty claims over the Chagos Archipelago. With a shared interest in containing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean, India and Mauritius are likely to benefit from increased strategic cooperation, highlighted by ongoing military and infrastructural developments in the region.
Original Source: gazette.com
