After being elected as the Prime Minister of the world’s largest democracy, Narendra Modi signalled a change in the country’s foreign policy. Modi’s Indian Ocean tour followed shortly after in March 2015. During this tour, the Indian Prime Minister embarked on a visit to three island countries: Seychelles, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka. This trip was seen as a strategic move by the new administration of India to increase its influence by forming economic and military ties, such as becoming the net security provider for these small island nations.

PM Modi’s Indian Ocean Tour

In 2015, the Prime Minister of India toured three island nations in the Indian Ocean. Since it was the first state visit by the newly elected Prime Minister, Mr. Modi’s tri-nation trip had significant importance and was regarded as a step towards strengthening India’s influence in the Indian Ocean.

In many of these island nations, India is willing to increase its influence and become a strategic partner and a net security provider. This development was also seen as India’s attempt to counter the increasing stronghold of the Chinese in the Indian Ocean region. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Indian ocean tour, which included visits to Seychelles, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka, reflected the priorities of India’s foreign policy, both in the vicinity and in its extended neighbourhood.

The PM’s visit to Seychelles

As a part of Mr. Modi’s tri-nation trip, the Indian Prime Minister arrived in Victoria, the capital city of Seychelles, on 10 March 2015. The following important points can be summarised from this trip:

  • The Indian Prime Minister visited the small island nation of Seychelles from 10 March 2015 to 11 March 2015.
  • Narendra Modi was the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Seychelles in a period of 33 years.
  • The visit was an essential part of the new Indian foreign policy of extended neighbourhoods in the region.
  • The then-president of the small island republic, James Michel, welcomed his counterpart at the capital city’s airport.
  • The Indian Prime Minister and representatives from Seychelles unveiled the plaque for the Coastal Surveillance Radar System (CSRS) India-Seychelles Cooperation Project.
  • Narendra Modi also addressed the Indian community and supporters in the island nation.

The PM’s visit to Mauritius

Following his trip to Seychelles, Modi’s Indian ocean tour continued with a visit to the neighbouring island of Mauritius:

  • The Indian Prime Minister arrived in the capital city Port Louis, on 11 March 2015.
  • The PM stayed in Mauritius for two days.
  • The former Prime Minister of Mauritius, Sir Anerood Jugnauth, received the Indian PM at the airport.
  • During his trip, the Indian PM held extended meetings with the President of the island nation.
  • In his address, Narendra Modi highlighted the infrastructure development of Agalega island as an example of the India-Mauritius partnership. 
  • On 12 March 2015, the Indian PM paid a visit to the Ganga Talao, a sacred place in Mauritius.
  • The Prime Minister also addressed the National Assembly of the country.
  • The PM also joined the National Day celebrations of Mauritius.

The PM’s visit to Sri Lanka

The last leg of Prime Minister Modi’s Indian ocean tour was completed with his visit to the island nation of Sri Lanka:

  • PM Modi arrived in the capital city of Colombo on 13 March 2015.
  • The former Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe, welcomed his counterpart at the airport in Colombo.
  • This was followed by a ceremonial reception with the President of Sri Lanka.
  • It was the first state visit to the southern neighbour by an Indian Prime Minister since 1987.
  • The Indian Prime Minister visited the Mahabodhi Society in Sri Lanka and paid a visit to Buddhist monks living in Sri Lanka.

Importance of Mr. Modi’s Tri-Nation Trip

The most important part of Mr. Modi’s tri-nation trip was to increase Indian economic and strategic ties with the three Indian Ocean states. The three-nation tour reflected the new administration’s focus on foreign policy, including the Neighbourhood First Policy of India. This policy includes the immediate neighbouring countries and small island nations in the Indian Ocean. India aims to become an influential power in South Asia, and Modi’s Indian Ocean tour reflects this policy.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Modi’s Indian ocean tour began in March 2015 with his visit to Seychelles, Mauritius and Sri Lanka from 10 to 15 March 2015. This trip was considered diplomatically significant for the Indian Ocean region. Considering the increasing influence of China and its military presence in the region, it becomes crucial for India to have a stronghold in the countries located in the Indian Ocean. Indian interest lies in infrastructure, technology investment, and cultural and historical exchanges in the small island nations. India aims to become a defence partner, such as being a net security provider that can increase Indian influence in these countries.