India’s Development Project on Agalega Islands: A Detailed Outlook
In 2015, India and Mauritius inked an agreement concerning the development of the Agalega Islands. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) highlighted the improvement and establishment of infrastructure for better sea and air connectivity. It also aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Mauritian Defence Forces, specifically in safeguarding their interests in the Outer Island. Since then, increasing reports suggest Indian naval and coastguard’s vested interests in setting up transponder systems and surveillance infrastructure, sparking local protests.
The Agalega Project
At the heart of the agreement lies the Agalega project which entails constructing a jetty, extending and rebuilding the existing runway, and establishing an airport terminal on Agalega Island. This island is located north of mainland Mauritius. The total expense of the $87 million project falls under India’s responsibility.
Significance of Project for India
India relies heavily on the Indian Ocean for its trade and resources, with 95% of trade by volume and 68% of trade by value being conducted through this water body. Additionally, nearly 80 % of India’s crude oil requirement is imported via the Indian Ocean. Thus, the strategic presence in the ocean holds immense importance for India.
This project is integral in countering China’s ‘String of Pearls’ strategy, potentially posing a threat to Indian strategic interests. Consequently, establishing a presence in the broader Indian Ocean region becomes crucial.
The project aligns with India’s efforts under the Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative. It is seen as an endeavor towards fostering development in neighboring regions and enhancing cooperation with them. Following resistance to Indian projects in Maldives and Assumption Island in Seychelles, successfully implementing this project remains high on India’s agenda.
Moreover, the project is also expected to fortify the capabilities of Mauritius’ security forces by upgrading its infrastructure.
Resistance to the Project
| Source of Protest | Reasons |
|---|---|
| Mauritius Opposition | Questions over transparency in the project along with apprehensions about Indian involvement and potential military components. |
| Local Protests | Fears of military intervention and displacement mimic the Chagos Islands’ situation. The militarization of other peaceful islands in the Indian Ocean Region has further fueled these fears. |
Paving the Way Forward
India operates ‘soft bases,’ which means the local population can navigate through any project launched by India. This allows local governments to retain control over their domain without compromising their sovereignty. Therefore, experts suggest that India needs to portray itself as a reliable and long-term partner, mitigating the concerns of all parties involved.
