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 Maldives case

• 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.

The Mauritius case

• 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 Presence in the Indian Ocean

• 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's 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.