Context:

• India and Mauritius share a deep-rooted relationship, influenced by historical, cultural, and strategic ties. Mauritius is one of the closest nations to India.
• There are numerous connections between Delhi and Port Louis (capital of Mauritius), including the fact that around 70% of the island's 1.3 million residents are of Indian descent.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius in 2025, a decade after his 2015 visit, underscores India’s commitment to enhancing this bilateral partnership.

Historical and Geopolitical Significance of Mauritius:

• Mauritius has a colonial history involving Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British powers.
• Gained independence from Britain in 1968; however, colonial disputes persisted over the Chagos archipelago
• The recent UK-Mauritius agreement on Chagos has significant legal, geopolitical, and humanitarian implications. 

India’s Strategic Engagement in the Western Indian Ocean:

• Modi’s 2015 visit marked India’s recognition of the renewed geopolitical importance of the region.
• India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine highlights the strategic relevance of the Indian Ocean.
• Growing influence of multiple global players like China, Russia, Europe, and Gulf countries in the region necessitates proactive Indian engagement.

Chagos Archipelago Dispute and Its Resolution:

• Britain separated Chagos (into the “British Indian Ocean Territory”) from Mauritius before independence, leasing Diego Garcia to the US for a military base.
• Mauritius led a global campaign to reclaim sovereignty, backed by a 2019 International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion.
• The recent UK-Mauritius agreement affirms Mauritius’s sovereignty, allows a 99-year lease extension for the US base, and ensures India’s regional security concerns against China’s expansion.

The Role of Mauritius in Global Geopolitics:

• Historically called the "Star and Key of the Indian Ocean," Mauritius has been a critical hub for maritime trade and global interactions.
• Its importance fluctuated with the Suez Canal’s opening and Cold War geopolitics but has resurged due to China’s strategic interests.
• China has engaged Mauritius through infrastructure projects, economic investments, and diplomatic outreach.

India’s Maritime and Security Cooperation with Mauritius:

• India is constructing logistics infrastructure on Agaléga Island, reinforcing its maritime security
• Mauritius serves as a crucial point in countering China’s expanding influence in the Indian Ocean.
• India’s diplomatic efforts have positioned it as a reliable strategic partner, not merely a nation with shared ethnic ties.

Emerging Geopolitical Contours in the Western Indian Ocean:

• China, Russia, Iran, Turkey, and Gulf nations are increasing their presence in the region.
• Europe is seeking to reassert influence in the Indian Ocean.
• Mauritius has balanced its global partnerships while maintaining strategic autonomy.

Conclusion:

• PM Modi’s visit to Mauritius signifies India’s commitment to strengthening strategic ties.
• The Indo-Mauritian partnership extends beyond historical and cultural ties, playing a pivotal role in India’s maritime security and regional stability.
• As global power dynamics shift, India’s role in the Western Indian Ocean will remain crucial in countering China’s influence and securing its maritime interests.