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भारतेन समुद्रेषु, सागरे यत्नसंयुतः।
समग्रं विजयं लभ्येत्, शान्तिं चेत्स्थिरतां विद्यात्॥
With India’s efforts in the oceans, complete victory and stability will be attained, bringing peace and long-term strength.
The transfer of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, following the historic decision taken by the UK, represents a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The implications of this transfer extend beyond the resolution of colonial legacies to the realm of strategic maritime security, particularly with regard to the interests of major powers like India and China. The Western Indian Ocean, where the Chagos Archipelago is located, is of global importance due to the maritime trade routes, energy corridors, and strategic choke points such as the Strait of Hormuz it encompasses. In this context, India’s prospective collaboration with Mauritius on maritime security harbours a key opportunity to counter China’s growing influence in the region. The potential of India-Mauritius cooperation in enhancing maritime security and countering the penetration of extra-regional powers leads to considering the broader strategic implications for India, Mauritius, and other major global
The Chagos Archipelago and The Colonial Legacy
The Chagos Archipelago has been the subject of a longstanding sovereignty dispute between the UK and Mauritius. When Mauritius gained independence in 1968, the UK retained control over the islands, forcibly removing the indigenous Chagossians and establishing a strategic military base on Diego Garcia in collaboration with the United States. This military base has been pivotal for US operations in the region, particularly in the context of global military logistics and nuclear submarine operations.
The 2019 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and a subsequent UN General Assembly resolution called for the decolonization of the Chagos Archipelago and its return to Mauritius. The UK’s recent decision to transfer sovereignty marks the culmination of international pressure, with India playing a key role as an advocate for decolonization and a supporter of Mauritian claims.
Strategic Implications of the Transfer, US-UK Interests and Diego Garcia
While the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago has been transferred to Mauritius, the Diego Garcia military base remains under US-UK control under a 99-year lease agreement. This arrangement preserves the strategic utility of Diego Garcia for both the US and the UK, ensuring that these powers maintain a foothold in the Western Indian Ocean. The base is indispensable for US military operations, offering logistical support for naval fleets and serving as a launch point for operations across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
India’s Role and Interests
India has long viewed itself as the principal security provider in the Indian Ocean, particularly in its eastern section. The transfer of the Chagos Archipelago offers both challenges and opportunities for India. On the one hand, India’s proximity to Diego Garcia provides potential operational advantages, such as access to key maritime patrol routes, intelligence gathering, and anti-piracy operations. On the other hand, India must carefully balance its relationships with global powers, maintaining its strategic autonomy without aligning too closely with the Western bloc, particularly the US.
India’s historical policy of non-alignment means that New Delhi has traditionally avoided overt military alliances, preferring instead to act independently in global geopolitics. Enhanced cooperation with the US in Diego Garcia could complicate India’s relations with other key partners such as Russia, Iran, and nations in the Middle East, who may be suspicious of India’s closer military ties with the US. India’s longstanding principle of strategic autonomy—characterized by its non-alignment and independent foreign policy—faces challenges in the evolving context of the Indian Ocean region. While closer cooperation with the US and UK in Diego Garcia offers significant benefits, it can also be problematic, especially as India seeks to improve relations with other key powers, including Russia and China.
Balancing Indo-US Relations with Other Partners
India’s growing defense cooperation with the US has been a significant aspect of its foreign policy in recent years. However, New Delhi remains wary of being sucked into the Western strategic bloc. This concern is also related to India’s historic relations with neighbours, particularly Russia and Iran. Iran, for instance, is a key strategic partner for India, particularly in terms of energy security and access to Central Asia through the Chabahar port. Balancing these relationships while maintaining security ties with the US and UK will be a delicate diplomatic task for India.
China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean has been a concern for India. Beijing’s establishment of a naval base in Djibouti, along with its increasing presence in Pakistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has raised alarms in New Delhi about the Chinese “string of pearls” strategy that consists of encircling India with strategic ports and bases. China’s efforts to establish a naval presence in the Western Indian Ocean, including through port investments in countries like Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Myanmar, have added to India’s anxieties. India’s collaboration with Mauritius on maritime security offers an opportunity to deter China while avoiding confrontation. By enhancing Mauritius’ maritime ability to monitor its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), India can help safeguard regional stability and mitigate the risks posed by China’s rising military presence.
India’s Opportunity in the Indian Ocean Region: Collaboration with Mauritius on Maritime Security
The transfer of the Chagos Archipelago offers India a valuable opportunity to deepen its cooperation with Mauritius on maritime security. Given that Mauritius cannot fully monitor and defend its vast EEZ, India can assist with technology, training, and maritime patrol capabilities. This collaboration would serve both countries’ interests, enabling Mauritius to protect its marine resources from illegal fishing and other infringements on its sovereignty, often linked to Chinese vessels, while allowing India to increase its strategic footprint in the Western Indian Ocean.
India already cooperates to ensure collective maritime security with countries in the Indian Ocean through initiatives like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) policy. Expanding cooperation with Mauritius would enhance stability and position India as a key security provider in the wider region.
India’s cooperation with Mauritius on maritime security also must be viewed in the context of broader global power dynamics. The continuation of US control over Diego Garcia, while strategically beneficial for India in the short term, must be carefully managed to avoid alienating other regional powers or compromising India’s non-aligned stance. India’s support for Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago reinforces its leadership role in the Global South. India has consistently advocated for decolonisation and the rights of small island states, positioning itself as a champion of the Global South in international forums. By aligning with Mauritius, India not only strengthens its diplomatic ties with a centrally located Indian Ocean state but also bolsters its image as a leader in the fight against colonial legacies.
Maintaining Strategic Autonomy
While India values its defense partnership with the US, it must also maintain independence to avoid becoming entangled in broader US-China rivalries. India’s engagement with Mauritius offers a way to expand its influence in the Western Indian Ocean without aligning with the Western bloc.
By supporting Mauritius in protecting its EEZ and bolstering regional maritime security, India can solidify its role as a key security provider in the Indian Ocean. India’s collaboration with Mauritius also aligns with its broader strategic goals, primarily ensuring the security of key maritime routes and countering China’s expanding presence. Ultimately, the success of cooperation between India and Mauritius in the Western Indian Ocean will depend on India’s ability to balance these competing interests while safeguarding its strategic priorities. India’s influence in the Indian Ocean will largely hinge on its ability to manage competing interests while safeguarding its core strategic priorities.
Maintaining autonomy is vital for preserving flexibility in diplomacy, especially in an age where the world is increasingly polarised between major powers such as the US and China.
China’s Growing Influence
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has significantly increased Beijing’s presence in the Indian Ocean through strategic investments and military infrastructure. Chinese ports and bases in countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, often referred to as the “string of pearls,” represent a challenge to India’s security and influence. In response, India must continue to build alliances with regional powers, including island nations such as Mauritius, the Seychelles, and the Maldives. By assisting these nations with capacity-building efforts, maritime security training, and infrastructural development, India can present itself as a reliable alternative to China’s dominance.
India must also strengthen ties with other Indian Ocean Rim countries through multilateral forums such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). These platforms provide India with avenues to collaborate with a wider range of nations on issues such as maritime security, counter-piracy operations, and humanitarian assistance. By playing an active role in shaping the maritime security architecture of the region, India can ensure that its strategic interests are safeguarded while promoting peace and stability in the Indian Ocean. India’s maritime strategy should not be limited to military alliances but should also include fostering economic cooperation and enhancing regional connectivity. By investing in port infrastructure, trade routes, and logistical connectivity with island nations, India can strengthen economic ties while increasing its strategic depth. For instance, initiatives like SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) focus on integrating economic growth with security, ensuring that India’s regional influence is comprehensive and sustainable. The use of satellite surveillance, drones, and artificial intelligence will enhance India’s ability to monitor and safeguard its maritime interests effectively.
Strengthening the Quad and Indo-Pacific Strategy
India’s participation in the Quad—a strategic dialogue involving the US, Japan, Australia, and India—can play a key role in its Indian Ocean strategy. The Quad’s focus on ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific aligns with India’s vision for the Indian Ocean. Strengthening ties with Quad partners will enable India to address common security challenges, such as maintaining freedom of navigation. However, India must manage this engagement in a way that does not alienate other regional players or escalate tensions with China, as this could destabilise the region.
Diplomatic Engagement with African Nations
The Indian Ocean’s western frontier, which includes East African nations, is another critical area where India can expand its influence. East Africa’s strategic location, coupled with its growing economic potential, makes it a natural partner for India’s maritime strategy. By deepening diplomatic and economic ties with countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa, India can ensure raise its presence in the Western Indian Ocean . Furthermore, Africa’s burgeoning blue economy offers India opportunities for joint ventures in fisheries, shipping, and maritime infrastructure development.
India’s ability to balance competing interests while safeguarding its strategic priorities will determine its future role as a dominant maritime power in the Indian Ocean. By promoting maritime security, economic cooperation, and sustainable development, India can emerge as a stabilising force in the region. However, this will require deft diplomacy, careful management of alliances, and long-term planning that integrates military strength with economic and environmental leadership. As the Indian Ocean becomes increasingly contested, India’s challenge will be to assert its influence without getting entangled in the rivalries of larger powers. By fostering regional partnerships, advancing technological capabilities, and maintaining a commitment to strategic autonomy, India can ensure that its vision for a free, open, and secure Indian Ocean comes into being.
भारत्या सह सन्धिर्दृढः, मौरिश्येण समं कृतः।
नवरूपेण तत्राभूत्, सागरे सामरिकं बलम्॥
India’s firm alliance with Mauritius has been formed, creating a new wave of maritime strength in the ocean.
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