India’s Maritime Power Projection in the Southwest Indian Ocean Gets a Boost
The DiplomatOn February 29, in a virtual ceremony, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritian counterpart, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, jointly inaugurated an airstrip, a jetty, and six community development initiatives on Mauritius’ Agaléga island. It was during Modi’s visit to Mauritius in 2015 that the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which provided for “setting up and upgradation of infrastructure for improving sea and air connectivity” that would enhance “capabilities of the Mauritian Defense Forces in safeguarding their interests in the Outer Island.” Reports emerged soon after that India was building a naval base in Mauritius, allegedly undermining its sovereignty. At the recent inauguration of the projects, he slammed “some ill-minded persons both in and outside Mauritius” for spreading the canard that the government “would relinquish the sovereignty over the Agaléga Island and allow India to build a military base there.” Indian officials deny that India is operating a naval base in Mauritius. Ruling out that Agaléga would function as a naval base, retired Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta, who was the commander-in-chief of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command, wrote in the Indian Express that India “understands the importance of sovereignty, and the sensitivities of smaller nations when they interact with larger ones.” However, “if requested by Mauritius” India would assist Mauritius to enhance its security, he said, pointing out that “India has never forced its security apparatus upon any country.” If India has indeed set up a naval base in Mauritius, it will not be the only power to do so in the region.