Expert Explains: How the development of Agaléga figures in India’s vision for its maritime neighbourhood

The development of the Agaléga Islands is in the socio-economic and national security interest of Mauritius, and also aligns with India’s maritime vision.

Why is Agaléga important to Mauritius?

The islands, a dependency of Mauritius, were not developed for many years. Situated two days’ steaming distance away, the sustainability and well-being of the islands’ inhabitants presented a challenge, as even the most basic needs required referral to Mauritius. The near absence of an official government or security presence was a serious vulnerability.

This vulnerability could be converted to strength by developing the islands and creating facilities that could operate ships and aircraft. Building a jetty and an airstrip was therefore considered imperative by the government of Mauritius. They chose India as their preferred development partner.

Why did Mauritians choose India?

Ties between India and Mauritius go back to 1948, 20 years before the country’s independence from Britain. Seventy per cent of the inhabitants of Mauritius are of Indian origin, and the two countries share deep historical, social, and cultural bonds.

The consistent feature in the history of bilateral relations has been friendship and trust at all levels — the political leadership, the diplomatic and military communities, as well as between the peoples of the two countries. The development of these strategically located islands required trust more than anything else. India was the obvious choice.

Deliberations took place from the end of the first decade of this century onward. Considering the sensitivities in Mauritius over issues of sovereignty and security, both sides progressed with utmost caution, and every concern was appropriately addressed before the project got off the ground.

How will the development of Agaléga help Mauritius?

The benefits are so obvious and substantial that it appears odd that it took so long to begin the process of developing Agaléga.

For the people of the islands, the two-day passage (if a ship was available) will be cut to less than an hour’s flight. The development of associated infrastructure will create employment for the local population and improve their overall well-being. The government of Mauritius may improve and expand these facilities in the future. The tourism potential of the islands could be tapped as well.

The new jetty and airstrip will enable a larger and more credible government presence on the islands, and the stationing or forward deployment of ships of the Mauritius Coast Guard. It will be possible to better monitor and police the vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) that extends 200 nautical miles outward from these islands.

What is in it for India?

The goodwill and trust between the two countries will be further enhanced. India will welcome opportunities to further develop these islands in collaboration with Mauritius as the latter deems appropriate.

The joint development of Agaléga underscores India’s commitment to the vision of Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), and its willingness to assist smaller maritime nations in building capacity and developing capability.

It will indicate to other maritime neighbours that India is a benign and friendly country that respects the sovereignty of independent nations. India would like to emerge as the preferred development and security partner in the Indian Ocean Region.

Will India assist Mauritius in enhancing its maritime security?

Yes, if requested by Mauritius. India has never forced its security apparatus upon any country; all military and maritime cooperation with its partners has been through established mechanisms of political, diplomatic, and military dialogue.

In pursuance of the vision of SAGAR, India will provide material and technical support to the maritime security apparatus of Mauritius, offer information exchange mechanisms, and conduct joint maritime security exercises and patrols, as mutually agreed.

Visits by Indian military assets and joint deployments, if considered, would be in consonance with diplomatic mechanisms.

Will Agaléga be an Indian military base?

No. India understands the importance of sovereignty, and the sensitivities of smaller nations when they interact with larger ones. India has always played by the rules — even when it has suffered on account of its respect for international law, and by trusting other countries that have resorted to deceit.

India does not believe in economic colonisation of smaller countries by luring them into debt traps. It has demonstrated that its methods of aiding smaller neighbours is more trustworthy and humane, even if somewhat inefficient. India’s reputation as a democratic nation that believes in peaceful coexistence is unimpeachable, and it can be expected to never violate the sovereignty or offend the sensitivities of a trusted and friendly nation like Mauritius.

Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (Retd) is a former Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, Indian Navy