PM Modi’s visit to Mauritius aims to enhance strategic ties amid U.S. support for a Mauritius-Britain deal on the Chagos Archipelago, countering China’s regional influence. Discussions will include sovereignty and strategic military cooperation.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to visit Mauritius on Tuesday to enhance strategic security ties. This visit follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s indication of support for a prospective agreement between Mauritius and Britain regarding the future of the US-British military base. Modi will attend the national day of Mauritius and engage in discussions with Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who recently returned to office in 2024.
The discussions will center on the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago, home to the Diego Garcia military base, utilized collaboratively by Britain and the US since the 1970s. Trump’s endorsement of negotiations regarding the Chagos sovereignty aligns with India’s historical support for Mauritius’ claims over the archipelago. Recent actions reflect India’s endorsement of a US presence in the region to counterbalance China’s expanding influence.
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri noted the importance of discussing outstanding issues during this visit. Mishri affirmed India’s continuous support for Mauritius in achieving a beneficial settlement concerning the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands. The islands were strategically retained by London following Mauritius’ independence in 1968, forcibly relocating residents for military purposes.
Experts, like Samuel Bashfield from the Australia India Institute, highlight that sustaining US operations on Diego Garcia is crucial for India’s strategic interests against China. Additionally, India has been involved in enhancing Mauritian infrastructure, including sea and air links to the Agalega Islands, contributing to regional security measures.
A source from Ramgoolam’s office emphasized that Mauritius recognizes the shared interests of India and the US in moderating China’s growing influence, given the substantial Chinese investments in regional infrastructure like ports and highways.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Mauritius represents a significant effort to strengthen bilateral security ties and address the sovereignty issue of the Chagos Archipelago. With U.S. backing for Mauritius’ negotiations with Britain, India seeks to maintain strategic advantages in the Indian Ocean against China’s influence. Continual support for Mauritius, particularly concerning regional security and infrastructure development, remains a key component of India’s diplomatic strategy in the area.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
