The rivalry between China and India plays out in an infinite variety of ways in the Indian subcontinent, the Indian Ocean and the global stage. With Xi Jin Ping at the helm of China for at least five more years and a China becoming a more assertive actor in world affairs, it is normal for India to be vigilant. The Indian Ocean is of major interest to both powers and whoever controls the Indian Ocean wields enormous influence as regards freedom of navigation, maritime security and world trade.
Both India and China are engaged in a competition for influence among the littoral states of the Indian Ocean. The littoral states are insignificant players vis a vis the two giants but they still can achieve a lot by being imaginative and open to all.
We must not overlook the presence of the USA in Diego Garcia and the continued illegal occupation by the United Kingdom of the Chagos archipelago. France is in a different plane as it has a legitimate reason to be present in the Indian Ocean.
The problems encountered by Sri Lanka by its inability to refund the massive loans it obtained from China for its port development which was disproportionate for its needs and future development led to protests and a change in Government. China effectively took control of the port infrastructure as provided for in the lending documents. China has no qualms about promoting a string of pearls in terms of port facilities in the Indian Ocean. The port development in Sri Lanka formed part of that strategy.
By its geographical location and geo-strategic importance Sri Lanka is watched very closely by its neighbour, India. Sri Lanka is bound to steer a middle course between China and India. Time will tell what happens there in the not-too-distant future and it is interesting to watch the role played there by the two major Asian powers.
As a small island state, what ought to be the stand of Mauritius once the Agalega project is complete and all the facilities are operational?
China must be following and monitoring the development in progress in Agalega. China has military facilities in Djibouti at the tip of the Horn of Africa. The USA has only one military base in Africa and it is in Djibouti known as Camp Lemonnier. By investing more than 550 million USDin Djibouti, China has given a clear signal that it is determined to protect its growing economic and security interests in Africa and the Indian Ocean. It is in the region for the long haul.
What is certain is that the major powers will muscle in more and more in the countries bordering the Indian ocean. Aid will be used to buy influence. Other means of coercion can also be subtly used.
The major works both for the port and airport in Agalega are nearing completion. The huge investment made there by India is reaching a point where the real intention/motivation/ strategy of the country will be tested. Will Agalega become India’s Diego Garcia?
From reports obtained from certain quarters It is likely that Prime Minister Modi will visit Mauritius in December this year. The time is opportune to clarify the position of Mauritius on our territory particularly as the Prime Minister also has the portfolio of territorial integrity.
By all known reports Mauritius has not signed any lease with India or any kind of territorial transfer of the real estate to India. As a major maritime power and a direct military and economic interest in the Indian Ocean, India has demonstrated that it intends to show its muscle in the Western Indian Ocean. Its presence in Reunion, Comoros and Madagascar is being increasingly felt and India is a power that cannot be ignored.
The traditional view is that India is a reliable friend and can be implicitly trusted as an honest broker. This approach does not take into account that international relations are a matter of permanence of interests. There are no friends if friendship stands in the way of interests. What are the interests of India in the western Indian Ocean? Is India so selfless as to develop Agalega simply because the Mauritius Prime Minister and the Indian one are buddies?
In order to assess the intentions of India over Agalega and all the facilities it has put up there, we in Mauritius can start working on a master plan to use those facilities. Mauritius must make it clear that it will reimburse India for all the investment made.
First, Mauritius must not allow any flag other than its own to fly there.
Second, Mauritius can insist that any aircraft movement to Agalega must be cleared through Mauritius and all air traffic control must be operated by Mauritian nationals.
Third, all immigration, health and security checks must be our responsibility. We must have immigration officers in Agalega.
Fourth, Agalega must become the second major port of the Republic until the facilities in Rodrigues are upgraded.
Fifth, We must have the right to deny entry to any person, aircraft, or ship/vessel who may be ‘non grata’.
Other than sovereignty over Agalega, Mauritius can and must use Agalega’s geographical location for economic activities. We are in a position to develop the port as a refuelling port for all seagoing vessels which number at least 50,000 annually passing through the Indian Ocean or we could also have the infrastructure to carry out refuelling operations at sea.
The prospect of a thriving eco-tourism is even more alluring with long haul aircraft being capable of landing on the runway in Agalega.
Most of the tuna which is a highly migratory species of fish passes near Agalega and a fishing industry with all collateral side activities is easy to start.
Hull underwater cleaning by the removal of marine growth is a lucrative activity and all sea going vessels need to have their hulls cleaned regularly for fuel and safety efficiency.
It is important to set out unambiguously how we propose to make use of Agalega and all its facilities.
Naturally Mauritius cannot adopt a discriminatory policy about how and in what circumstances other States or corporations can apply to use Agalega facilities subject to Mauritius having the final say.
The potential of the blue economy is getting real.
Let us have the ambition to become a significant player in this region.
