In response to China’s growing influence, India and Mauritius have upgraded their strategic ties during a visit by Prime Minister Modi. The countries elevated their relationship to an ‘enhanced strategic partnership’, signing various agreements and focusing on cooperation in maritime security and community development. This enhanced engagement reflects India’s efforts to maintain its influence in the Indian Ocean and support Mauritius amidst rising Chinese presence in the region.

India and Mauritius have enhanced their strategic partnership to counter China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean. This development was revealed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent two-day visit to Mauritius, where he attended the National Day festivities. Modi declared the new status of their relations as an ‘enhanced strategic partnership’, following discussions with Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. The leaders emphasized their commitment to maintaining a ‘free, safe, secure, and open Indian Ocean.’

During the visit, Mauritius honored Modi with its highest civilian accolade, and the two nations signed eight agreements to bolster collaboration across multiple sectors, including maritime security. Modi announced a commitment of approximately $11 million from New Delhi towards community development initiatives, including cooperation on constructing a new parliament, referred to as a gift from “the mother of democracy.”

While India has historically maintained positive relations with Mauritius—home to a population that is largely of Indian descent—analysts noted the urgent need for India to enhance its engagement with the country, referred to as the gateway to the Western Indian Ocean and Africa. With China’s influence in Mauritius expanding significantly, as highlighted by Harsh Pant of the Observer Research Foundation, India must actively engage to address this strategic challenge.

Since China’s free trade agreement with Mauritius took effect in 2021, bilateral trade has risen to $1.1 billion, reflecting a 10.1% increase from the previous year. Amid escalating geopolitical competition in the region, both India and China have intensified their diplomatic efforts with nations in the Indian Ocean.

In a demonstration of military collaboration, an Indian navy unit participated in Mauritius’s National Day parade, and the INS Imphal, a stealth guided-missile destroyer, visited Port Louis. Last year, India supported the construction of an airstrip and a jetty in Agalega, small islands north of Mauritius. Though Mauritius has insisted these developments are not intended for military purposes, they provide India a strategic presence in monitoring the western Indian Ocean.

Furthermore, Indian officials have expressed support for the anticipated transfer of the Chagos Islands from Britain to Mauritius. This arrangement is notable since Diego Garcia, a part of the Chagos archipelago, hosts a U.K.-U.S. military base. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed India’s backing of Mauritius’s sovereignty claims over the Chagos Islands, aligning with India’s historical support for decolonization and territorial integrity. Analysts suggest India sees value in maintaining the military base on Diego Garcia, as noted by Trump’s inclination to agree with the deal.

In conclusion, the recent elevation of India and Mauritius’s strategic relationship appears to be a calculated response to counter China’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean. As India invests in infrastructure and development projects in Mauritius, it aims to reinforce its influence in the region. Moreover, support for the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands illustrates India’s commitment to fostering strong diplomatic ties, which are essential for ensuring regional stability and security. This partnership represents a pivotal moment in India’s geopolitical strategy within the Indian Ocean.

Original Source: www.voanews.com

Related posts:

India and Mauritius Strengthen Strategic Ties to Counter China India and Mauritius Forge Enhanced Strategic Partnership with Key Agreements Sri Lanka Assures India Against Use of Territory for Hostile Activities India’s Defense Ambitions: Strengthening Military Capabilities Amidst Geopolitical Challenges