Agalega Island: Concerns Mount Over Indian Development and Potential Military Use

Arnaud Poulay departed from the small Indian Ocean island of Agalega this year, a place he had always wished to remain, expressing profound sadness over what he perceives as the militarization of his homeland. Previously, Agalega’s population numbered only 350 individuals, who sustained themselves through fishing and coconut cultivation. Essential provisions were transported by ship from Mauritius’s capital, located 1,100km (680 miles) to the south, on a quarterly basis. The island’s modest airstrip saw infrequent use, primarily for urgent medical situations. However, in 2015, Mauritius, the island nation that includes Agalega, entered into an agreement allowing India to construct an extensive 3,000m runway and a substantial new jetty on the island. This initiative forms part of the increasing cooperation between the two nations regarding maritime security. Nevertheless, some residents of Agalega express apprehension that this development might evolve into a complete military establishment. Mr. Poulay, a 44-year-old individual working as a handyman and performing as a reggae musician, spearheaded opposition to the undertaking. He states, “I love my island and my island loves me,” adding, “But when that base was unveiled, I knew I had to leave.” Comprising two small islands spanning 25 sq km in the south-west Indian Ocean, Agalega presents an optimal site for India to observe marine traffic. A comparison of satellite imagery from 2019 with images captured in July of the current year reveals the extent of the alterations. A dense area of palm trees has been replaced by the runway, which extends along the central axis of the north island, connecting the primary villages of La Fourche in the north and Vingt-Cinq to the south. Two structures, each 60m wide, are visible on a tarmac apron; at least one of these is potentially a hangar designed for the Indian navy’s P-8I aircraft, as indicated by Samuel Bashfield, a PhD scholar at the Australian National University. The P-8I is a modified Boeing 737, engineered for submarine detection and potential engagement, as well as for overseeing maritime communications. Local residents have documented the presence of this aircraft on the airstrip through photographs. Situated to the north-west, a new jetty projects into the ocean. Mr. Bashfield suggests this structure could serve Indian surface patrol vessels in addition to the supply vessel that delivers provisions to Agalega. He commented, “As newer satellite images become available, we’ll better understand Agalega’s role in Indian Ocean communications.” The International Institute for Strategic Studies designates the installation as a “surveillance station,” positing that it probably incorporates a coastal radar surveillance system akin to Indian-manufactured apparatus found in other parts of Mauritius. The Indian government chose not to respond to inquiries concerning Agalega, directing the BBC to previous declarations published on its official website. In one such statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that India and Mauritius function as “natural partners” in maritime security, confronting both conventional and unconventional threats within the Indian Ocean region. A strong defense alliance has existed between the two nations since the 1970s. The national security adviser, the chief of the coastguard, and the leader of the police helicopter squadron are all Indian citizens and hold positions as officers within India’s external intelligence agency, navy, and air force, respectively. Prof. Harsh Pant, associated with the India Institute at King’s College London, suggests that both parties would prefer the installation to be perceived “as one that is more about capacity building than for any overt military use.” Nevertheless, it is widely known that India and its Western counterparts harbor apprehension regarding China’s expanding influence in the Indian Ocean. Although the establishment of a military outpost by a larger nation on the land of a smaller ally is not uncommon, the ongoing construction activities on Agalega have caused distress among some local inhabitants. According to islanders, several sections, including some of the island’s white-sand beaches bordered by palm trees, have already been restricted. Furthermore, persistent unconfirmed reports suggest that the village of La Fourche will be encompassed by the surrounding Indian infrastructure, leading to the displacement of its 10 resident families. Laval Soopramanien, president of the Association of Friends of Agalega, stated, “It will become a restricted area completely for Indians.” He expressed apprehension that “Agalega will become the story of the Chagos islands,” a sentiment shared by 26-year-old handyman Billy Henri, whose mother was displaced from the Chagos islands and whose father is an Agalegan. Mr. Henri remarked, “My mother [lost] her island,” adding, “My father will be the next.” Several inhabitants of Agalega belong to families who endured the trauma of eviction from the Chagos Islands, situated 2,000km to the east. This occurred after the UK government proclaimed them British territory in 1965 and authorized the US to construct a communications station on Diego Garcia, the largest island, which subsequently evolved into a comprehensive military base. Billy Henri is concerned that the Mauritius government, which holds ownership of all land on Agalega and acts as the sole employer, is attempting to create such unfavorable conditions that all residents will depart. He highlights issues such as deficiencies in healthcare and education, insufficient investment in the local economy, a scarcity of employment prospects, and a prohibition on local individuals establishing their own enterprises. A spokesperson for the Mauritius government informed the BBC that no individual would be requested to depart, and that local residents were only restricted from accessing the airport and the port. These facilities, the spokesman asserted, would aid the nation in combating piracy, drug-trafficking, and illegal fishing. Mauritius additionally refutes claims that Agalega accommodates a military base, asserting that the national police retain complete authority. Nevertheless, it concedes that India will provide support for the “maintenance and operation” of the recently constructed facilities