India’s Modi to Support Mauritius Sovereignty Over Chagos and Enhance Security Relations
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Mauritius to enhance ties in light of U.S. support for Mauritius’s sovereignty over Chagos. Modi will meet with Prime Minister Ramgoolam during the national day celebrations, addressing strategic relations, Chinese influence, and military collaboration.
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is scheduled to visit Mauritius for discussions aimed at enhancing strategic relations, poised to take place shortly after U.S. support was indicated for a prospective agreement between Mauritius and Britain concerning the Chagos Archipelago. This visit coincides with Mauritius’s national day, where Modi will engage with Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who has returned to office for a third term in 2024.
Recently, President Trump expressed backing for an arrangement between Mauritius and Britain regarding the future of a U.S.-British military installation in the Chagos Islands. This archipelago is home to Diego Garcia, which has served as a joint military base since the 1970s, following the displacement of approximately 2,000 inhabitants by the British government.
India’s officials are optimistic about the resolution of the sovereignty issues surrounding Chagos, reaffirming their longstanding support for Mauritius’s claims. Furthermore, they acknowledge the importance of U.S. military presence in the region as a strategy to counteract growing Chinese influence. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri noted that this meeting would provide an opportunity to discuss any remaining issues.
Experts, such as Samuel Bashfield from the Australia India Institute, advocate that India’s strategic interests are aligned with maintaining U.S. operations at Diego Garcia as a balance against China. Additionally, India has been assisting Mauritius in enhancing its air and sea connectivity, particularly regarding the Agalega Islands. This collaboration is viewed as mutually beneficial in light of China’s increasing investments in the Indian Ocean region activities, notably in countries like Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
In summary, Prime Minister Modi’s forthcoming visit to Mauritius signifies India’s commitment to strengthening ties and supporting Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Islands. The collaboration between India, Mauritius, and the U.S. aims to counterbalance China’s regional influence. With historical ties between India and Mauritius, this engagement reflects mutual interests in security and strategic stability in the Indian Ocean.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
