Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Mauritius to strengthen strategic ties, following U.S. support for a Mauritius-Britain deal on Chagos sovereignty. The trip includes discussions with Prime Minister Ramgoolam and highlights India’s backing of Mauritius’ claims and interests against Chinese influence in the region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India is set to visit Mauritius on Tuesday to discuss strengthening strategic relations, coinciding with U.S. President Donald Trump’s signal of support for a proposed agreement between Mauritius and Britain regarding the future of a military base in the Chagos Archipelago. Modi will serve as the chief guest at Mauritius’s national day celebrations and engage in discussions with Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who returned to power earlier this year.
Recently, President Trump expressed his backing for a deal concerning the Chagos, which includes seven atolls in the Indian Ocean. The largest island, Diego Garcia, has functioned as a key British-U.S. military base since the 1970s. Indian officials have positively received news relating to the Chagos sovereignty debate, given India’s historical support for Mauritius’ claims to the islands, while also aligning with U.S. interests to counter Chinese influence in the region.
India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, indicated that Modi’s visit would provide an opportunity for Mauritius to discuss outstanding issues regarding the sovereignty matter. He affirmed India’s commitment to assist Mauritius in achieving a beneficial agreement concerning the Chagos. After gaining independence in 1968, Mauritius has remained under British control of the Chagos which involved the forced displacement of its populace to facilitate military operations on Diego Garcia.
Experts suggest that retaining the U.S. base on Diego Garcia is strategically beneficial for India to balance China’s increasing presence. With this goal in mind, India has been supporting Mauritius in enhancing its maritime and aerial connections, especially regarding the Agalega Islands. According to security expert Samuel Bashfield, Diego Garcia could serve as a logistical point for Indian reconnaissance missions within the Indian Ocean.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Mauritius underscores India’s commitment to bolstering strategic alliances in the Indian Ocean, particularly concerning the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago. As both India and Mauritius navigate a nuanced geopolitical landscape, the discussions signal a mutual interest in curbing China’s regional influence. Continued cooperation between the U.S., India, and Mauritius appears essential for sustaining stability and securing interests in this critical maritime area.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
