India-Mauritius Bilateral Ties and Maritime Agreement
India aims to strengthen its relationship with Mauritius by signing a maritime agreement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. This agreement will facilitate the exchange of information on commercial shipping between the navies and coast guards of both nations, enhancing surveillance over the western Indian Ocean.
Strategic Context
- The agreement is significant amid increasing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean and the US pivot to Asia.
- The initiative aligns with India's strategic need to establish informational dominance in the region to counter potential threats from China’s PLA Navy.
INS Imphal's Role
The Indian warship INS Imphal participated in Mauritius's national day parades and engaged in joint activities with the Mauritian navy and coast guard. Notably, the ship will conduct joint surveillance and exercises with MCGS ships, including the Indian-built Barracuda.
India's Foreign Policy Initiatives
- The visit highlights India’s ongoing foreign policy initiative, Sagar (Security and Growth for All in the Region), announced by Modi in 2015.
- India supports Mauritius's sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago, currently under UK control, with Diego Garcia leased to the US for military purposes.
Geopolitical Implications
- The international tribunal ruled in 2021 for the UK to return Chagos to Mauritius, with India backing this sovereignty claim.
- India has invested in building infrastructure on the Mauritian island of Agalega, countering speculations of establishing a military base.
Retired Rear Admiral Raja Menon emphasizes the necessity for India to align with Mauritius amid changing geopolitics in the Indian Ocean, especially following the unexpected US base establishment on Diego Garcia.
