Mauritius, Maldives, and India

Recent developments in the Maldives and Mauritius underscore India's strategic interests in the Indian Ocean, particularly in response to China's increasing presence in the region.

The President of Maldives, perceived as pro-China, requested India to withdraw its military personnel from Maldives, after coming to power in November 2023.
The first team of Indian “technical personnel” reached the Maldives to take charge of one of the three aviation platforms stationed in the country.
They will replace Indian military personnel whose first batch is required to leave the islands by March 10.
This is in line with an agreement between India and the Maldives to withdraw Indian military personnel by May 10.

Following the Indian PM’s visit to Mauritius in March 2015, India signed a MoU for the “improvement in sea and air transportation facilities” at Agaléga island.
Recently, India and Mauritius jointly inaugurated an airstrip and jetty on Agaléga island, enhancing connectivity and security in the region.
- Agaléga is a two-island Mauritian dependency 1,100 km to the north of Port Louis and 2,500 km southwest of Malé.
The inauguration underscores India's commitment to supporting Mauritius in meeting its development goals and enhancing maritime security.
This would lead to more effective monitoring of Mauritius’ vast 2.3 million sq km Exclusive Economic Zone.
Further, it will equip Mauritius to better counter-piracy, terrorism, narcotics and human trafficking, and illegal and unregulated fishing.

China's increasing presence in the Indian Ocean poses challenges to India's strategic interests, particularly in maritime security and regional stability.
- China is the only nation with an embassy in each of the six islands in the Indian Ocean viz. Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar, and Comoros.
- None of the traditional players viz. the United States, the UK, India, or France have embassies on all six.
China's diplomatic, economic, and military engagements with Indian Ocean island nations raise concerns about its long-term intentions in the region.
Analysts anticipate further expansion, highlighting the need for India to bolster its partnerships and strategic initiatives in response.

India recognizes the strategic significance of collaborating with Indian Ocean island nations to counterbalance China's influence.
Hence, diplomatic efforts are focused on managing domestic politics in island nations while advancing our strategic interests and security cooperation.
India's engagement with the Maldives and Mauritius reflects its commitment to upholding maritime security, regional stability, and economic development in the Indian Ocean region.