Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit from March 11-12 to Mauritius — an island nation in the Western Indian Ocean — resulted in “upgraded ties” between the two nations. Both nations advocated for a stable, free, safe and secure Indo-Pacific. Such an advancement in ties between the nations is leverage for Indian geopolitical strategy to counterbalance the Chinese aggressive expansion and influence in the Indo-Pacific region. PM Modi, who was the chief guest at Mauritius’s national day celebration on March 12, said that ties between the nations are upgraded to “enhanced strategic partnership.”
Indian Prime Minister and his Mauritius counterpart Navichandra Ramgoolam in the bilateral meeting reaffirmed the unparalleled relation between the two nations based on shared history, language, culture, heritage, kinship and values. However, a significant outcome of this visit was India’s renewed support for Mauritius’s sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago — a group of seven atolls comprising more than 60 islands in the Indian Ocean that remains the strategic flashpoint. At a special press conference for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said in response to a reporter’s question – “we support Mauritius in its stance for sovereignty over Chagos, and this is obviously keeping with our long-standing position with regard to decolonisation and support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries.”
The Chagos issue is embedded within the broader discourse of decolonization, strategic military interests and power competition in the Indo-Pacific. India’s endorsement of Mauritius claims not only aligns with its long-standing advocacy for decolonization but also carries strategic ramification, particularly concerning its relations with the United States and China.
Chagos Archipelago dispute
The Chagos archipelago, including its largest island, Diego Garcia, was historically a part of Mauritius. However, in 1965, prior to granting Mauritius independence, the United Kingdom separated the island and established the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), leasing Diego Garcia to the United States for military use in 1966. The indigenous Chagossians were displaced, leading to decades of legal and diplomatic struggle for their return and for Mauritius’ claim of sovereignty over the territory.
In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in its advisory opinion ruled that the United Kingdom’s continued occupation of the territory is illegal and that the island should be returned to Mauritius. Subsequently, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution affirming Mauritius’ claim over the territory, yet the United States and the United Kingdom maintained their presence in the region citing security imperatives. Against this backdrop, India’s explicit support for Mauritius sovereignty over Chagos takes on significant diplomatic and strategic weight.
India’s Strategic Interests
India has historically positioned itself as a leader of the global south, advocating for decolonization and postcolonial justice. By supporting Mauritius on the Chagos issue, India affirms its ideological commitment to anti-colonial struggles. This stance aligns with New Delhi’s broader efforts to champion the cause of the global south thereby strengthening its leadership role.
While India’s position aligns with the Mauritius claim, it also has implications for its relations with the United States. Diego Garcia, a major home to the US military bases, plays a crucial role in American military operations in the Indo-Pacific. India has deepening strategic ties with the US particularly through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, popularly known as QUAD — comprising Australia, India, Japan and the United States. New Delhi’s challenge is supporting Mauritius’ sovereignty without directly opposing US-led security architecture in the region.
China has significantly increased its presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) through infrastructure projects, naval deployment and military bases, most notably in Djibouti. Given China’s aggressive expansion through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), India seeks to counterbalance Chinese maritime influence. Supporting Mauritius sovereignty over Chagos, helps India to consolidate its influence over a strategically located ally, preventing potential Chinese encroachment of the territory.
Geopolitical complexities
India’s backing of Mauritius’ claim over the Chagos raises the question about the future of Diego Garcia as a US military base. While New Delhi recognizes the importance of US presence in maintaining regional stability as a counterweight to China, its endorsement of Mauritius’ claim indirectly challenges the legitimacy of continued Anglo-American control over Chagos. This creates a complex geopolitical situation where India must navigate its partnership with both the US and Mauritius without disrupting relations and security architecture in the region.
India has been actively enhancing its maritime capabilities through initiatives like Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative (IPOI). By backing Mauritius’ claim, India signals its broader ambitions in the Indian Ocean, emphasizing its role as a regional power, and security provider. Additionally, closer ties with Mauritius enhance India’s ability to monitor critical sea lanes and counter security threats.
Moreover, India has played a significant role in enhancing air and maritime connectivity on Mauritius Agalega island, thereby strengthening its strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region. On Feb. 29, 2024, two nations jointly inaugurated a new airstrip and the St. James Jetty on Agalega Island. These infrastructure projects, fully funded by India, aim to improve connectivity between mainland Mauritius and Agalega, and bolster maritime security. The development of these facilities is part of India’s broader initiative to enhance its strategic footprint in the region.
India’s endorsement of Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago is a calculated diplomatic maneuver. As India navigates through these complex strategic waters, its approach will be crucial in shaping regional geopolitics. By championing the Chagos cause while maintaining strong ties with Western allies, India has an opportunity to assert itself as a regional power – one that upholds international law, supports small island nations, and contributes to the evolving security architecture of the Indo-Pacific. Ultimately, India’s position on the Chagos will serve as a litmus test for its ability to manage competing interests in an increasingly contested maritime domain.
[Photo by Prime Minister’s Office (GODL-India), via Wikimedia Commons]
Sarafaraj Ahmed is currently based at MMAJ Academy of International Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia. He holds a postgraduate degree in Public Administration from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
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