India seeks to deepen its strategic partnership with Mauritius, highlighted by PM Modi’s visit. The ties are reinforced by the presence of a significant Indian-origin population and Mauritius’s geopolitical identity. The recent UK-Mauritius agreement over the Chagos Archipelago underscores its sovereignty. Amid escalating global competition, India aims to bolster its presence in the region while respecting Mauritius’s autonomy and interests.
India’s commitment to enhancing its strategic partnership with Mauritius, often referred to as the ‘Star and Key’ of the Indian Ocean, was clearly demonstrated during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit. The historical ties between India and Mauritius include the significant presence of an Indian-origin population that composes nearly 70 percent of the nation’s 1.3 million inhabitants. Modi’s visit comes exactly ten years after his last trip, emphasizing the importance of this bilateral relationship in the contemporary geopolitical landscape.
The West Indian Ocean has assumed greater geopolitical importance since Modi’s last visit, which coincided with the launch of India’s SAGAR initiative (Security and Growth for All in the Region). As global powers, including Europe, China, and Russia, seek influence in the Indian Ocean, India’s task is to appreciate Mauritius’ own geopolitical agenda while working collaboratively.
Mauritius’s complex colonial history illustrates its significance in global politics; all major European colonial powers had a historical presence there. Even after gaining independence from Britain in 1968, Mauritius has continued to assert its sovereignty, including a recent agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago, which had been contested for decades. This agreement not only affirms Mauritius’ claim but sets a precedent for resolving post-colonial territorial disputes by respecting decolonization principles.
Furthermore, the UK-Mauritius agreement regarding Chagos holds substantial geopolitical implications. By extending the lease on the Diego Garcia military base for an additional 99 years, Mauritius retains an essential US military presence in the region. Though some view this decision as tipping the scales towards China, it fundamentally strengthens US positioning in the Indian Ocean amidst growing Chinese influence.
India’s infrastructure development on Agaléga Island signifies its increasing strategic interests in the region and the importance of Mauritius. Historically, Mauritius has been pivotal in maritime navigation and continues to be critical for international relations across the Indian Ocean.
The region has witnessed fluctuating dynamics over the past decades, largely influenced by geopolitics stemming from the Cold War to the rise of China. China’s expanding influence in the Western Indian Ocean is evident in its investments and military presence, highlighting its recognition of Mauritius as a critical player.
In addition to China’s economic and military undertakings, other global powers, including European countries, Gulf nations, and Turkey, are actively vying for influence in the area. Mauritius has successfully navigated these complexities by developing balanced relationships while maintaining its strategic autonomy, underlining its prosperity rooted in global engagement.
Ultimately, the relationship between India and Mauritius is founded on mutual respect and the recognition of Mauritius’s sovereignty. Modi’s visit to Mauritius serves as a reaffirmation of India’s commitment to fortifying this vital partnership, highlighting that successful collaboration transcends shared ethnic backgrounds.
The article emphasizes the strategic and historical significance of the relationship between India and Mauritius. Prime Minister Modi’s visit reiterates India’s commitment to supporting Mauritius as it navigates complex geopolitical dynamics, particularly in the context of growing Chinese influence. The recent UK-Mauritius agreement on Chagos exemplifies the nation’s aspirations for sovereignty and international cooperation, showcasing its vital role in the Indian Ocean. Thus, strengthening bilateral ties is beneficial for regional stability and security.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
