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India’s Strategic Commitment to Mauritius and the Chagos Islands Issue
Context:
India has reaffirmed its support for Mauritius by endorsing its sovereignty over the Chagos Islands.
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- Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri recently stated, “We support Mauritius in its stance on its sovereignty over Chagos, and this is obviously keeping with our long-standing position with regard to decolonisation and support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries.”
- This statement came soon after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to London, carrying a subtle yet strong message for Washington.
Chagos Issue
- The Chagos issue is yet another instance of neo-imperialist ambitions.
- Last year, the UK agreed to hand over the Chagos Islands—home to the US military base at Diego Garcia—to Mauritius.
- However, US Senator John Kennedy, a Trump supporter, warned that ceding sovereignty could damage US-UK relations.
- Trump’s broader imperialist rhetoric has reignited global debates on territorial expansionism.
History
- Historically, all major powers—the US, China, and Russia—owe their territorial configurations to imperial conquest.
- While imperialism was the norm in past centuries, the 20th century saw a global movement against colonial expansion, leading to the formation of the United Nations.
- India, a key force in this anti-colonial struggle, has consistently upheld the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- India’s stance on Chagos aligns with its broader geopolitical commitments.
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- The country invoked the UN Charter to oppose Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has questioned other territorial claims by major powers.
- Supporting Mauritius in this case reinforces India’s principled foreign policy.
- While Mauritius may allow continued US and UK military operations at Diego Garcia, it seeks formal recognition of its sovereignty.
- The Chagos Islands may seem insignificant geographically, but they hold immense strategic value.
- India’s proactive engagement in this issue underscores its commitment to decolonisation and regional stability.
Mauritius: A Key Strategic Partner
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius, nearly a decade after his 2015 trip, highlights India’s deepening strategic ties with the island nation.
- Mauritius, home to a 70% Indian-origin population, has long shared historical and cultural bonds with India.
- However, its geopolitical significance extends beyond ethnic ties.
- The PM’s 2015 visit marked India’s renewed focus on the Indian Ocean, encapsulated in the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All) doctrine.
- Since then, the Western Indian Ocean has become a hotspot of geopolitical contestation, with China, Europe, Russia, Gulf states, and Turkey seeking greater influence.
- Mauritius, despite its historical links to India, is an independent geopolitical actor.
- The country has successfully navigated global power dynamics while maintaining strategic autonomy.
- The recent UK-Mauritius agreement on Chagos is a testament to its diplomatic perseverance.
- This agreement aligns with the 2019 International Court of Justice ruling, reaffirming Mauritius’s sovereignty while addressing humanitarian concerns and promoting environmental cooperation.
- From a security standpoint, Mauritius has extended the lease for Diego Garcia, ensuring continued US military presence in the region.
- Contrary to concerns about Chinese dominance, this move strengthens the strategic alignment of India, Mauritius, and the West in countering Beijing’s growing naval ambitions.
- India played a crucial role in facilitating this pragmatic agreement, balancing regional security interests.
Growing Geopolitical Contest in the Western Indian Ocean
- Mauritius occupies a critical position in the Indian Ocean, historically dubbed the “Star and Key of the Indian Ocean.”
- European colonial powers, from the Portuguese to the British, recognised its strategic importance.
- While the opening of the Suez Canal briefly shifted focus away from Mauritius, global conflicts and the Cold War reasserted its significance.
- Today, China’s rising influence in the region, through infrastructure projects, resource investments, and military expansion, has reignited global interest.
- Beyond China, Europe is seeking to reclaim strategic ground, Gulf nations are leveraging financial power, and Russia, Iran, and Turkey are expanding their regional presence.
- Mauritius, leveraging its position as a financial hub and connectivity centre, has adeptly balanced relations with all major powers.
- India, for its part, has strengthened its role as a trusted partner.
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- The development of logistics infrastructure on Agaléga Island is a testament to Delhi’s commitment to Mauritius’s security and sovereignty.
India’s firm stand on Chagos sends a powerful message to major powers—territorial expansionism will not go unchallenged. The focus must now shift toward a broader coalition of post-colonial nations against neo-imperialism.
