On August 3, 2021, Al-Jazeera published an extensive investigation report which reveals that India is building a secret military facility or naval base in one of the Agalega Islands of Mauritius which is on the western Indian Ocean. Let us try to know about the mystery of the Agalega Island as far as this report is concerned.
Agalega Islands consist of two separate islands, North Island and South Island. They lie about 1000 km north of Mauritius and they have a total area of around 70 square km. North Agalega is some 12 km long and only 1.6km in width. It has a total population of around 300. In recent years North Island is witnessing some activity by the Indian cargo ships as well as the Indian naval force.
Indian Military base in Agalega
As per Al-jazeera’s investigation report and the images released, it is been derived that India is developing a naval base in North Agalega Island. According to reports a fully-fledged airstrip is built and ready on the island which can be seen in satellite pics released. As compared to 2014 Google earth images, various infrastructure developments are visible on the island now. Some military experts analyzed the investigation report and they concluded that this island may be used by India for maritime patrol missions of the Indian Navy.
In the year 2015 Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi on his two-day visit to Mauritius signed various MoU with the Mauritian counterpart. As per some reports, one MoU was signed between both governments to develop Agalega Island. In the year 2018 Prime minister of Mauritius Mr. Pravind Jugnauth informed that a bilateral deal worth $ 87 million was signed with India to develop Agalega Island, but in the year 2021 PM categorically declined any possibility of having an Indian Naval facility on the island. Both countries have remained silent in disclosing the information. Also, both countries have not commented on Al-jazeera’s investigation report.
Developments in Agalega Island
Over recent years, a large runway measuring almost 10,000ft and a jetty have been constructed on the island. Now as per satellite imagery which was released dated 20th April 2022, new hangars are also being constructed along with a runway and jetty. Images convey that hangars measuring 180*200 feet is being constructed which would be large enough to house the Indian Navy’s P-8I submarine-hunting aircraft. India’s P8I Poseidon is a maritime submarine hunting aircraft that measures around 123 in length and 126 in width, it is a perfect naval long-range surveillance aircraft for a newly built runway of Agalega island.
India’s presence in the Indian Ocean
In May 2022, India deployed one of its P-8I Poseidon to the Southern Indian Ocean to take part in La Réunion Island on a five-day mission with French counterparts to undertake coordinated surveillance drills. It was not the first time that India deployed P-8I at La Réunion, it was also done in the year 2020.
Mauritius is placed at a very strategic location as it is located right in the middle of the World’s trade shipping route. India is now investing heavily in its maritime security strategy which includes its air and naval presence in the south West Indian Ocean and Mozambique Channel and also the east coast of Africa.
China on the other hand is trying to gain hegemonical advances in the Indian Ocean (to know more kindly visit https://edumasala.com/chinese-spy-ship/ ). If the reports of developing a naval base in Agalega Island are to be believed then by countering Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean, India has achieved significant strategic success. With this particular move, India now diplomatically beating China in its own game.