Prime Minister Modi will visit Mauritius to bolster strategic ties and support sovereignty claims over the Chagos Archipelago amid U.S. backing. His meetings with Prime Minister Ramgoolam could address historical issues and contain Chinese influence. Modi’s efforts align India with U.S. military interests in the region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India is scheduled to travel to Mauritius for discussions aimed at enhancing strategic partnerships. His visit coincides with increased support from U.S. President Donald Trump for Mauritius regarding the status of the Chagos Archipelago, which has significant military installations. Modi will serve as the chief guest at the national day celebrations and engage in talks with Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who is in his third term since 2024.
In the backdrop of Modi’s trip, the sovereignty over Chagos is particularly relevant given Trump’s recent endorsement of negotiations between Mauritius and Britain regarding the U.S.-British military base situated there. Diego Garcia, the archipelago’s largest island, has been home to this military base since the 1970s, raising issues surrounding the historical displacement of Mauritian citizens. Modi’s administration has expressed support for Mauritius’s sovereignty claims, aligning India’s interests with U.S. military presence in the region to balance China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean.
India’s foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, stated that the visit provides an opportunity for Mauritius to discuss any outstanding issues regarding the sovereignty claims, reiterating India’s commitment to a satisfactory agreement for Mauritius. Additionally, experts posit that retaining the U.S. military presence on Diego Garcia would serve as a strategic advantage for India, who has also aided in developing strategic infrastructure in Mauritius, including air and sea links to the Agalega Islands. Collaborative efforts between India and the U.S. could serve to curb Chinese expansionism in the region, as China has heavily invested in infrastructure across surrounding nations.
In summary, Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to Mauritius is pivotal in reaffirming India’s support for Mauritius’s sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. The discussions are anticipated to enhance strategic security ties, particularly in the face of growing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean. The ongoing collaboration between India, Mauritius, and the United States emphasizes a united front in safeguarding regional interests and stability.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
