New Airstrip At Agalega Island In Mauritius Jointly Inaugurated By PM Modi, Here's How It Serves India's Maritime Interests

Prime Minister Narendra Modi jointly inaugurated the new Airstrip at the Agalega Island with his Mauritian counterpart Pravind Jugnauth on Thursday (29 February) via video conferencing.

St James Jetty along with six community development projects was also inaugurated. These projects will fulfill the demand for better connectivity between mainland Mauritius and Agalega.

This comes just a few weeks after the launch of UPI and RuPay Card services in Mauritius by the two leaders, further strengthening the development partnership between the two countries.

Calling Mauritius a key partner of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and a special partner under Vision SAGAR, PM Modi said, "India has always respected Mauritius’s needs and acted as the first responder".

"It will improve connectivity between the North and Southern parts of Mauritius and will improve administrative connection with the mainland. Medical evacuation and transportation of school kids will improve," Modi added.

PM Modi said that India and Mauritius are the natural partners in maritime security and highlighted cooperation in monitoring of Exclusive Economic Zone, joint patrolling, hydrography, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.

Mauritian PM said, "Setting up of the new airstrip and jetty facility in Agalega is the fulfillment of yet another Mauritian dream." He informed that Mauritius has become the first nation to adopt the ‘Jan Aushadhi Scheme’.

India initiated the construction of this facility following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Mauritius in March 2015, focusing on improving sea and air transportation facilities on Agalega Island.

Agalega is located over 1,100 kilometre north of the main island of Mauritius. With a 10,000-foot runway and a jetty, it will support India’s maritime assets, including P-8Is, in the western Indian Ocean.

This is important because Indian Navy’s engagements have been relatively limited here, particularly in waters close to the western coast of Africa, while China has been investing heavily.