Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Mauritius to discuss enhancing bilateral ties and address the Chagos sovereignty issue, following U.S. support for an agreement between Mauritius and Britain. The trip aims to solidify strategic cooperation against Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India is scheduled to visit Mauritius on Tuesday to discuss the enhancement of strategic relations, shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump expressed support for an agreement regarding the Chagos Archipelago between Mauritius and Britain. During his visit, Modi will serve as the chief guest at Mauritius’ national day and engage in discussions with Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who is in his third term as of 2024.
In a recent statement, President Trump indicated his backing for a resolution that would determine the future of the U.S.-British military base located within the Chagos Archipelago, which consists of seven atolls in the Indian Ocean. The island of Diego Garcia has hosted a joint British-U.S. military base since the 1970s.
Indian officials preparing for Modi’s trip noted that the resolution of the sovereignty issue related to Chagos is seen positively by New Delhi, which has traditionally supported Mauritius’ claims to the islands. This comes alongside India’s endorsement of a U.S. presence in the Indian Ocean, aimed at counterbalancing China’s influence.
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated, “During the visit, there will be an opportunity for Mauritius to update us on any outstanding issues… we support Mauritius in its efforts to reach a mutually satisfactory and beneficial deal.”
Mauritius gained independence in 1968, yet the United Kingdom retained control of Chagos. This led to the forced evacuation of approximately 2,000 residents for the establishment of the Diego Garcia military base, which was leased to the United States in 1966. Samuel Bashfield, an expert on Indo-Pacific security, remarked that maintaining the U.S. presence at Diego Garcia serves India’s interest as a counterbalance to China.
In pursuing its aim to broaden its strategic reach in the Indian Ocean, India has facilitated the development of transportation links in the remote Agalega Islands in Mauritius. Bashfield noted that “Diego Garcia could be a useful runway for Indian surveillance aircraft in the Indian Ocean.”
A source close to Prime Minister Ramgoolam’s office commented that “Mauritius recognizes India and the U.S. share common interests in containing Chinese influence in the region,” as China has invested substantially in infrastructure across nations from the Maldives to Sri Lanka.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Mauritius symbolizes an important step in reinforcing India-Mauritius ties amidst shifting geopolitical landscapes. The discussions will focus on sovereignty issues regarding the Chagos Archipelago and enhancing security collaborations, particularly in light of the U.S. presence in the region, which serves as a countermeasure to China’s expanding influence. The partnership is expected to promote mutual benefits for both nations while contributing to broader strategic objectives in the Indian Ocean.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
