Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Mauritius to enhance strategic ties and discuss the Chagos sovereignty issue in light of U.S. President Trump’s support for a deal between Mauritius and Britain regarding a military base. Modi will engage with Prime Minister Ramgoolam, focusing on collaborative interests against Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean.
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is scheduled to visit Mauritius for talks focused on enhancing strategic ties. The visit comes shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump voiced support for a potential agreement between Mauritius and Britain regarding the future status of a U.S.-British military base located in Chagos, a group of atolls in the Indian Ocean comprising over 60 islands.
Modi will attend the national day celebrations in Mauritius and engage in discussions with Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who has recently returned to power for his third term. Trump had indicated his backing for a deal concerning the Chagos Archipelago, where Diego Garcia, the largest island, has served as a military base since the 1970s.
Indian officials noted that the clarification of Chagos’ sovereignty is favorable for New Delhi, which has historically advocated Mauritius’ claims. Moreover, India has supported U.S. strategic interests in the Indian Ocean, particularly to counter China’s influence. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri commented on the visit, suggesting it would provide an opportunity for Mauritius to address any outstanding issues.
Mauritius gained independence from Britain in 1968, yet control over Chagos remained with London, which evicted approximately 2,000 inhabitants to establish the Diego Garcia base, leased to the U.S. since 1966. An expert from the Australia India Institute emphasized that India’s interests align with maintaining U.S. military presence there to counterbalance China’s reach.
India has also fostered the development of air and sea connections for Mauritius, especially concerning the remote Agalega Islands. Furthermore, it is believed that Diego Garcia may serve as a strategic base for Indian surveillance operations in the region. A source connected to Ramgoolam’s office indicated a shared objective between India and the U.S. to curtail Chinese influence, especially given China’s extensive investments in nearby countries.
The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Modi to Mauritius underscores the strengthening of Indo-Mauritian relations, particularly regarding strategic military interests in the Indian Ocean. Modi’s discussions with Prime Minister Ramgoolam reflect a mutual desire to address sovereignty issues concerning the Chagos Archipelago while emphasizing collaborative efforts to counteract China’s influence in the region. The support from the United States further solidifies this strategic partnership, aligning the interests of India and Mauritius in fostering regional security and stability.
Original Source: gazette.com
