India is looking to deepen its relationship with Mauritius by signing a maritime security agreement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing two-day visit to the island nation. Once formalized, this agreement will enable the navies and coast guards of both countries to exchange information on commercial shipping within their respective territorial waters. Known as the White Shipping Agreement, it will also enhance India’s ability to monitor activity in the western Indian Ocean. An official announcement on the deal is still awaited.

The growing maritime cooperation between India and Mauritius comes amid increased Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean and the United States’ continued strategic focus on Asia. As part of the visit, the Indian warship INS Imphal, which arrived in Mauritius on March 10 for its maiden port call, will take part in the country’s national day celebrations in Port Louis on March 12, where Modi will be the chief guest. Indian naval vessels and aircraft have previously participated in similar events in Mauritius.

Commissioned in 2023, INS Imphal is an indigenous destroyer that will remain in Mauritian waters until March 14. It will engage in joint activities with the Mauritian navy and coast guard, including a planned surveillance mission within Mauritius’ exclusive economic zone and exercises with Mauritian Coast Guard ships. One of these ships, the Barracuda, is an offshore patrol vessel built in India and commissioned in 2015 in the presence of Modi. At the time, he also introduced India’s “SAGAR” initiative—an acronym for Security and Growth for All in the Region, which aligns with India’s strategic vision for the Indian Ocean.

According to retired Rear Admiral Raja Menon, India must strengthen its intelligence and surveillance capabilities in the Indian Ocean, particularly given the long-term strategic threat posed by China’s PLA Navy. He also emphasized the need for India to establish aircraft refueling bases in the future. Mauritius, which gained independence from the UK 57 years ago, still faces sovereignty challenges over the Chagos archipelago. The UK continues to control the territory and has leased Diego Garcia—the largest island in the group—to the US for a military base since 1966. Although an international tribunal ruled in 2021 that the UK should return Chagos to Mauritius, the UK has only agreed to transfer control of some islands while retaining Diego Garcia.

India has long supported Mauritius’ claim over Chagos and has contributed to infrastructure development on Agalega, another Mauritian island. However, both nations have denied speculation that India may seek to establish a military base there. Menon stressed that India needs to maintain strong ties with Mauritius, particularly as the geopolitical situation surrounding Chagos evolves. Reflecting on history, he noted that India was previously caught off guard when Diego Garcia was turned into a US military base, and this time, it must position itself strategically.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Navy.