India Nears Completion of Strategic Military Base in Mauritius Amid Growing China Concerns
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India is nearing completion of a strategically important military station on the island of Mauritius, increasing its footprint in the Indian Ocean and combating China's growing influence in the region.
(Screengrab from Al Jazzera Youtube Video )
New Delhi is currently preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Port Louis to collaborate on the development and deployment of an earth observation satellite for Mauritius.
In a further demonstration of commitment, an Indian Navy destroyer, INS Sharda, recently moored in Port Louis, highlighting the growing partnership.
The military outpost is being built on Agaléga Island in Mauritius to strengthen India's strategic position in the southwestern Indian Ocean.
Its goal is to offset China's growing presence in the area. The strategically located base is outfitted with runways, a jetty, and aircraft hangars.
India may even consider stationing its Boeing Poseidon 8I maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft at this base to monitor Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) operations in the Indian Ocean.
The Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, is slated to visit Port Louis on the 189th anniversary of the arrival of indentured laborers from India in Mauritius.
The Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, is slated to visit Port Louis on the 189th anniversary of the arrival of indentured laborers from India in Mauritius.
During this visit, India and Mauritius will sign an MoU for the cooperative development and launch of an earth observation satellite, which would improve Mauritius' earth observation capabilities in the Indian Ocean area.
While India has continuously said that the military installation on Agaléga Island is designed to strengthen Mauritius' maritime security capabilities,it has also received criticism from a variety of sources.
Some Mauritius residents and opposition parties have accused successive governments of weakening the country's sovereignty by allowing India to set up a military facility on the island.
Former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, on the other hand, has disputed that the island will be used as a military facility.He referenced a secrecy clause in the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding between India and Mauritius, which said that the details of the bilateral agreement will be kept private.
This strategic development highlights India's rising participation in the Indian Ocean region, reflecting the changing dynamics of power and influence as it attempts to retain a strong presence in response to the Chinese PLA Navy's growing activity.
This strategic development highlights India's rising participation in the Indian Ocean region, reflecting the changing dynamics of power and influence as it attempts to retain a strong presence in response to the Chinese PLA Navy's growing activity.
As India expands its presence in the area, the Agaléga Island station will be critical in reinforcing its marine capabilities and strengthening regional security.
Source : AFI