Introduction:

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India and Mauritius jointly unveiled an airstrip and a jetty constructed by India on Agaléga, a pair of islands situated in the western Indian Ocean, alongside various community development initiatives.

The Mauritian dependency of Agaléga comprises two islands: the larger North Island and the smaller South Island, positioned approximately 1,100 kilometers north of Mauritius’ capital, Port Louis, and 2,500 kilometers southwest of Malé, the capital of the Maldives.

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Significance of Agaléga Airstrip:

The upgraded airstrip and jetty represent pivotal strategic endeavors aimed at expanding India's presence in the Indian Ocean region and bolstering its surveillance capabilities along the east coast of Africa. These initiatives are particularly pertinent in countering the escalating Chinese influence in the region, including within the Maldives.

While the pre-existing airstrip on North Agaléga Island accommodated operations of the Indian Navy’s Dornier aircraft, the enhanced airstrip enables operations of larger P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft as well. Consequently, India's naval aircraft will be able to conduct extensive surveillance along the eastern and southern coasts of Africa, as well as across the western and southern Indian Ocean from Agaléga. This development significantly enhances India's maritime domain awareness and operational capacity in the region, crucial for conducting diverse maritime missions.

The heightened tensions in the Red Sea region have prompted numerous commercial vessels on east-west routes to divert their course to the Cape of Good Hope, thereby intensifying maritime traffic and transits in the area.

Conclusion:

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India and Mauritius have fostered robust cooperation in maritime security and various other domains. Indian defense personnel are actively engaged with the Mauritian Defence Forces, facilitating close collaboration in defense affairs.

India's assistance to Mauritius encompasses the provision of six out of seven helicopters in service, in addition to five ships, three aircraft, and 10 Fast Interceptor boats, along with the establishment of a Coastal Surveillance Radar System.

Beyond Mauritius, India has been steadfast in augmenting diplomatic and military ties with other nations in the region, including the Seychelles and African nations such as Madagascar, underscoring its commitment to bolstering regional security and cooperation

Other Points to Consider

Location of Madagascar and Seychelles

Agaléga airstrip

Port Louis