Is India Building a Secret Military Base in Mauritius’s Agaléga Island

Defense News ,India :-  In a significant development, Mauritius officially inaugurated an air strip and jetty on the remote island of Agaléga, financed by India. Despite official assurances that the infrastructure is not intended for military purposes, there are growing concerns about the emerging strategic significance of this previously isolated Indian Ocean tropical island. The three-kilometer air strip and jetty, costing 8.8 billion Mauritian rupees (US$192 million), were part of the agreements made during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Mauritius in 2015.

Mauritian Prime Minister Jugnauth emphasized that these infrastructures are aimed at modernizing the island and enhancing its security capabilities. According to Jugnauth, the new facilities will contribute to the fight against drugs, human trafficking, illegal fishing, and will improve emergency response capabilities. However, the island's sparse population, dependent on coconut farming and fishing, has raised questions about the true nature of these developments.

The Agaléga islands, situated between Mauritius and Rodrigues, have historically been overlooked, with their 300 or so permanent inhabitants relying on traditional livelihoods. The recent Indian military presence and the construction of a 3,000-meter runway capable of accommodating large military aircraft have transformed the island into what appears to be a permanent forward base. Satellite evidence indicates the construction of two jetties, further suggesting a strategic military role for Agaléga.

India's interest in the Indian Ocean stems from its view of the region as its own backyard, with concerns about potential Chinese incursions. The geopolitical dynamics in the area have been influenced by India's reaction to China's involvement in neighboring countries, such as Sri Lanka. The Indian Ocean's strategic importance has prompted India to establish a presence on Agaléga, enhancing its capabilities to monitor and respond to maritime threats, including piracy, smuggling, and terrorism.

India's Foreign Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, acknowledged the need to prepare for a greater Chinese presence in the region and highlighted broader concerns related to maritime threats. The strategic location of the Agaléga base, close to major shipping lanes and sea routes, positions it as a crucial asset for both monitoring and enforcing maritime security.

Despite India's assurances that the Agaléga development is not akin to the well-established US military presence on Diego Garcia, the evolving facilities on the island raise questions about potential future expansions. Jaishankar hinted at India's readiness to adapt to changing circumstances, indicating that the Indian Ocean's dynamics may see an increased Chinese presence.

North Agaléga's proximity to key sea lanes, including the Suez Canal/Red Sea route to the Far East, underscores its strategic importance. India's aerial patrols over the wider region, including the Mozambique Channel, demonstrate its commitment to maintaining maritime security. The South African Navy's limitations in patrolling the channel have further emphasized India's unique role in this regard.

The historical isolation of Agaléga is rapidly changing, with the construction of new jetties indicating the potential for larger naval ships to call at the island. While both the Mauritian and Indian governments deny any plans to relocate the original inhabitants, the transformation of Agaléga into a strategic naval outpost is becoming increasingly evident.

The Agaléga developments reflect India's proactive approach to safeguarding its interests in the Indian Ocean amid changing geopolitical dynamics. The island's transformation into a strategic outpost raises questions about the broader implications for regional stability and the evolving balance of power in the Indian Ocean.