Réunion Island

As part of their long-range training deployment in the southwest Indian Ocean Region, the ships of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS)—INS Tir and ICGS Sarathi—recently arrived at Réunion Island, while INS Shardul reached Port Louis, Mauritius. This deployment is part of India's continued strategic outreach and strengthening of maritime ties in the Indian Ocean region.

About Réunion Island:

Réunion Island is a French overseas territory located in the Western Indian Ocean. It plays a crucial role in France’s strategic military presence in the region.

• Geography:

  • Situated approximately 680 km east of Madagascar and 180 km southwest of Mauritius, Réunion covers an area of 2,511 sq. km.

  • The island has an elliptical shape, measuring about 40 miles (65 km) long and 30 miles (50 km) wide.

  • It is part of the Mascarene Archipelago, which includes Mauritius and Rodrigues Islands.

• Volcanic Origin:

  • Réunion is of volcanic origin and consists primarily of rugged mountains and torrential rivers.

  • The island features the highest peak in the Indian Ocean, Piton des Neiges, and is home to the Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes globally.

  • The Marsouins and Galet rivers are the two largest on the island.

• Climate:

  • Réunion has a tropical climate, which significantly influences the island's flora, fauna, and agricultural output.

• Capital:

  • The capital city is Saint-Denis, located on the northern coast of the island.

• Political Status:

  • Réunion is a French overseas territory with the same political status as other departments in mainland France. It also serves as a key French military base in the Indian Ocean region, contributing to France's strategic interests in the area.

• People & History:

  • The island was first settled in the 17th century by colonists from France. Over time, slave labourers were brought in from East Africa to work on plantations. Later, the island’s population expanded through the arrival of Malays, Annamites, Chinese, and Malabar Indians as indentured labourers.

  • Today, Réunion’s population is predominantly of mixed descent, including African, European, and South Asian influences.

• Languages:

  • The official language is French, but Réunion Creole is widely spoken by the local population.

• Economy:

  • Réunion's economy is largely based on the export of sugar, with other products including meat, milk products, rum, molasses, tobacco, geranium essence, and vanilla.

• Geopolitical Importance:

  • As a French overseas department, Réunion plays a strategic role in French military operations within the Indian Ocean region and in global maritime security.

Conclusion:

The arrival of Indian Navy ships at Réunion Island and Mauritius underscores the importance of maritime diplomacy in the Indian Ocean Region. The Indian Navy’s active presence in these strategic territories helps foster cooperation and regional stability, contributing to enhanced partnerships with France, Mauritius, and other nations in the region. As India continues to assert its naval influence, these engagements play a critical role in strengthening its defense diplomacy and its broader geopolitical interests in the Indian Ocean