** The strategic issues of a visit: Modi in Mauritius, between promises and geopolitical realities **
The displacement of the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in Mauritius is part of a much wider setting than that of a simple national celebration. His two -day visit, which coincides with the 57th anniversary of the island’s independence, highlights the complex geopolitical issues that shape the Indian Ocean region. This return to the sources, symbolized by rites of respect for Seewoosagur Ramgolam, illustrates the historical links between the two nations, but also the strategic ambitions of the states that evolve there, in particular those of India and the United States.
** Historical context and bilateral relations **
Since the 1960s, the decolonization process has deeply redefined international relations, and Mauritius, with its Chagos archipelago, has been at the heart of a geopolitical debate that influences contemporary decisions. India has traditionally supported Mauritian claims on the archipelago, disputed by the United Kingdom as part of strategic agreements, notably concerning the Diego Garcia military base. In addition, the support recently expressed by former American president Donald Trump to a possible agreement on this issue adds a layer of complexity to existing dynamics.
Modi, by participating in independence celebrations, does not only demonstrate symbolic solidarity, he inscribes his action in a broader vision of strengthening indo-Mauritian relations. In this context, it should be recalled that exchanges between the two countries have continued to grow since the implementation of India’s “Act East” policy, aimed at strengthening Indian influence in the Southeast Asian and beyond.
** Bilateralism in the face of globalization: a comparative analysis **
India, as an emerging power, faced with the historical domination of Western powers, must navigate between its regional needs and its global commitments. The strategic partnership with Mauritius could offer an alternative to Western hegemony in the Indian Ocean, in a context of intensifying tensions with China, which seeks to extend its influence on the African continent and in the islands of the Indian Ocean.
** Statistics and perspectives **
Recent studies have shown that 90 % of world trade takes place by sea, making the Indian Ocean an essential strategic scene. In 2023, it was estimated that maritime trade between India and the Indian Ocean countries reached more than $ 70 billion, with honest growth projections. With a reinforced partnership, Mauritius could become a key logistics hub for India, offering mutual economic opportunities.
Tourism, another crucial sector, also driven under the effect of cultural and economic exchanges. In 2022, the number of Indian tourists in Mauritius increased by 35 % compared to the previous year. For Modi, this is an issue not only economic, but also soft power, where cultural ties and belonging to the Indian diaspora are vital.
** The challenges of security cooperation **
Finally, the question of maritime security and freedom of navigation inevitably arises in this partnership. Terrorist threats, piracy and rivalries between powers in the region require constant dialogue and reinforced cooperation. Modi’s participation in Mauritian celebrations can thus be interpreted as a desire not only to strengthen bilateral relations, but also to assert a common posture in the face of global challenges.
** Conclusion: a shared future? **
The visit of Narendra Moda in Mauritius is not simply a diplomatic event; It is a pivotal moment which generates reflections as to the future of Indian relations in the Indian Ocean. At the crossroads between the local and the global, this meeting evokes the complexities of an interconnected world where each choice made on the international scene resonates locally.
While nations sail in these tumultuous waters, Indian diplomacy, through its symbolic and strategic gestures, seeks not only to preserve its interests, but also to build a shared future. The repercussions of this visit will be without any doubt the framework of negotiations, forging the respective roles of a historic actor and a partner in full emergence in an ocean rich in promises and in Потенцијал.