Near the coast of Africa lies the remote Agaléga archipelago, a sovereign territory of Mauritius. For years, these two small islands, North and South Agaléga, remained largely untouched, inhabited by a small population of around 300 people. However, recent developments have thrust them into the international spotlight, centered around a secretive, multi-million dollar project funded by India.
Satellite imagery and investigative reports have revealed the construction of significant infrastructure, including a 3-kilometer-long runway, deep-water jetties, and large hangars—facilities that far exceed the needs of the local population and suggest a more strategic purpose. This has fueled speculation that India is establishing a military base, a claim that has been met with both official denials and growing evidence to the contrary.
The Strategic Significance of Agaléga
The location of the Agaléga islands is what makes this development so crucial. Situated at the opening of the Mozambique Channel, a vital maritime trade route, the islands offer a commanding position in the Western Indian Ocean. This channel is not only a key passage for trade between Asia and the West but also rich in natural gas reserves. Control over this choke point provides a significant geostrategic advantage.
For India, this outpost serves several key objectives:
- Countering Regional Influence: The project is seen as a direct response to China’s expanding presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). China has been developing a network of ports and bases, often referred to as the “String of Pearls,” to encircle India. An Indian presence in Agaléga helps to counter this encirclement and protect its interests in Africa, where it has significant investments.
- Enhanced Surveillance: The new facilities are capable of hosting long-range patrol aircraft, such as India’s P-8I Poseidon spy planes. These aircraft are equipped for anti-submarine warfare and intelligence gathering, allowing India to monitor naval movements and communications throughout the region. The island could function as a crucial “listening post” for intelligence operations.
- Power Balancing: The Indian Ocean is a playground for global powers. The United States has a major base on Diego Garcia, and France maintains a presence on Réunion Island. By establishing its own strategic foothold, India reduces its reliance on other nations for refueling and logistical support, thereby balancing the power dynamics in the region.
Local Concerns and the India-Mauritius Relationship
While the project offers strategic benefits for India and development opportunities for Mauritius, it has not been without controversy. Some locals on Agaléga have expressed fears that their home could become another Diego Garcia, where the native population was forcibly removed to make way for a US military base. They worry about losing their land and the potential for environmental damage.
However, the Mauritian government has largely welcomed the project. The relationship between India and Mauritius is deeply rooted in shared history, culture, and demographics, with a significant portion of the Mauritian population being of Indian origin. India is a primary defense and development partner for Mauritius, having funded numerous projects, including the nation’s metro network, hospitals, and government buildings. This close-knit relationship, often described as that of “little brother” and “big brother,” provides the foundation for the strategic cooperation on Agaléga.
The agreement for the project remains confidential, with officials citing national security concerns. While official statements emphasize the development aspects—improved air and sea connectivity for the local population—the scale of the infrastructure points to a dual-use facility with significant military capabilities.
As the project on Agaléga nears completion, it marks a pivotal step in India’s ambition to become a net security provider in the Indian Ocean. It is a clear signal of its intent to protect its strategic interests and play a larger role in the complex geopolitical landscape of the region.