Agalega – A remote outpost

Croma     MediBuddy     Samsung

Agalega – A remote outpost

It’s possibly true if you have already heard about Agalega, India’s remote island military base a little away from Mauritius. Its main purpose is for vigilance, keeping the ears and eyes open to keep a tab on what’s happening in the area and the shipping routes mainly to counter China’s aggressive design. Agaléga is one of the outer islands of Mauritius located in the Indian Ocean, about 1,000 km north of Mauritius island. The population of the islands as at July 2011 was estimated at 300. A lot has been said and written about this for a while now.

Agalega, specifically North Agalega Island is the island where India has shown interest and is building its military base. It is controlled by Mauritius. It has Reunion Island to its south, controlled by the French and Djibouti Island Chinese base in the north. Hence its location is strategic and important for India to hear and keep an eye in the Indian Ocean.

Agalega base will serve two major objectives for India. One, to coordinate with the allies in case of any emergency, and recently India conducted a joint patrol with French vessels from the Reunion. And the other main objective being surveillance of the vast ocean, and keeping a strict vigil on the vital shipping routes. Keeping an eye on Southern Africa trade routes as most of China’s energy trade is concentrated here. The island is just around 12 km long and 1.5 km wide. It has a population of less than 300 and is small even by island standards. From a ghost island to a strategic military base is a big turnaround for this quiet island. But why is India keen on developing this military base?

Agalega was a wilderness surrounded by sea, but in 2015 India sought access to it to develop it as a staging point for its Air force and Navy. After six years, the island has a 3,000 meter-long runway, is capable of hosting India’s new Boeing patrol aircraft and a new seaport is being constructed to the north.

Beijing is looking to box India in with the String of Pearls initiative to contain both land as well as the maritime footprint of India in the region. String of Pearls refers to the network of Chinese military and commercial facilities developed by China in countries falling on the Indian Ocean between the Chinese mainland and Port Sudan. India is very much aware about this trap and its implications and is working to counter measures to fox the Chinese plan and weaken or demolish the String of Pearls initiative.

Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) is India's policy or doctrine of maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. In 2015, Prime Minister Modi introduced the vision of SAGAR or 'Security and Growth for all in the Region' to focus on cooperative measures for sustainable use of the oceans. The mission also provides a framework for a safe, secure, and stable maritime domain in the region.

Mauritius has denied a report that it has allowed India to build a military base on the remote island of Agalega, with a government official telling AFP that no such  agreement exists between the two nations. Agaléga are two outer islands of Mauritius located in the Indian Ocean, about 1,000 km north of Mauritius island. However he stressed India and Mauritius share a good relationship and are partners in trade and business. And there is a special bond with India given the vast population in Mauritius of Indian origin.

Australia too is shifting its focus – PM Scott Morrison announced close to $580 million to upgrade four military bases to the nation’s north once again due to the aggressive moves by China. Upgrades including larger airstrips in the Northern territory, new fire ranges, and training facilities are being planned.

For India, Agalega is mainly a surveillance post to keep itself abreast and ahead of the designs and plans of hostile countries towards India and the region. In future it could be used as the launching pad for the air force and navy to counter any evil designs in the vast region.

Big Bazaar     Kama Ayurveda

Also read: India-China diplomatic row

                     USS New York 

MyPost

Order online -Amazon Special Offers

Flipkart     USTRAA     Beardo

..............................................................................................

Picture Post

Elephanta Caves, nr Mumbai, India

.............................................................................

Decathlon

.........................................................................

*Your comments are welcome. We value them, to make the blog better.

*Guest writers are welcome. Tell us about the subject. Get in touch.

*Please share this blog with your friends.  SBI Card

................................................................................

https://youtube.com/channel/UCwo9Re44827w8c6QPmxlnug

Anil Naik - YouTube Channel

Please like, comment and Subscribe. Tata CLiQ Store

.................................................................................

Aneela Nike Post

Anil Naik

WhatsApp: 91 9969154602
Email: akn929@yahoo.com

.................................................................................

If you feel that Aneela Nike Post is making a difference to your life, do take a minute to consider a comment or contribution. We would also value your suggestions as how to make ourselves more relevant to you. Please write to akn929@yahoo.com to give your valuable feedback.

 

Order online-  ayurvedclinic.com

We, at Aneela Nike Post (aneelanike.com), would love to hear from you! Tell us what you’re are thinking, how you’d like to collaborate with our ever growing brand, and if you’d like to be one of our sponsors or advertisers! We will get back to you on the details you provide.