South-western Indian Ocean — the Mozambique Channel, the Mascarene Plateau, the waters south of Madagascar — has re-acquired a strategic weight it has not carried since the age of sail. It was from Port Louis in 2015 that Prime Minister Narendra Modi first set out SAGAR — Security and Growth for All in the Region — and from Port Louis again in March 2025 that he expanded it into MAHASAGAR. The Chinese AngleThere is no PLA facility at Port Louis. Support for Mauritian sovereignty has been consistent across governments – the language has been of decolonisation, sovereign equality and international law. The Navy Chief’s visitWith this backdrop, the Chief of the Naval Staff’s visit to Port Louis from 10 – 14 Aug, is of immense significance to further cement our relationships.