During the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Mauritius on March 11-12, 2025, both nations signed agreements to enhance their strategic partnership. Key areas of cooperation include trade, maritime security, defense, and regional collaboration, with India also reaffirming support for Mauritius’s sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago.
Key Outcomes of India’s PM Visit to Mauritius
Enhanced Strategic Partnership:
- Both nations elevated their relationship to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership.
- Cooperation will include maritime security, trade in local currencies, and regional stability.
- Agreement to ratify the amended Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).
Mahasagar Vision:
- India launched the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiative.
- It expands upon the SAGAR vision to support the Global South with grants, concessional loans, technology sharing, and trade.
Security Cooperation:
- Enhanced usage of Agalega Island’s runway and jetty, developed by India.
- Strengthened cooperation in white shipping, hydrography, and the blue economy.
- India reiterated support for Mauritius’s sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago.
Developmental Support:
- India introduced a rupee-denominated Line of Credit for water pipeline replacement.
- Support for the establishment of a police academy and a maritime information-sharing center.
- Inauguration of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation, a health center, and 20 other Indian-funded projects.
New Parliament Building: India will construct a new Parliament building for Mauritius as a symbol of friendship, calling it a gift from the “Mother of Democracy.”
Multilateral Engagements: Strengthened collaboration in regional and global forums such as the Colombo Security Conclave, IORA, and the Indian Ocean Conference.
Importance of Mauritius for India
- Maritime Significance: Mauritius’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean supports India’s SAGAR and MAHASAGAR initiatives.
- Countering China’s Influence: Enhanced partnership ensures regional stability and protects India’s maritime interests.
- Economic Gateway: Mauritius serves as a vital link for Indian trade and investment in Africa through the AfCFTA. It remains India’s second-largest FDI source after Singapore.
- Cultural Ties: With 70% of its population of Indian origin, Mauritius celebrates shared cultural events like Maha Shivratri and maintains the Ganga Talao pilgrimage site.
Importance of India for Mauritius
- Development Partner: India has provided over USD 1.1 billion in the past decade for infrastructure projects like Metro Express, Supreme Court buildings, and hospitals.
- Maritime Security: India supports Mauritius in patrolling its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) through naval cooperation and hydrographic surveys.
- Disaster Assistance: India remains a first responder in crises, including Cyclone Chido (2024), the Wakashio Oil Spill (2020), and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Capacity Building: Over 4,940 Mauritians have been trained under India’s ITEC program. India’s National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) offers specialized training for Mauritian civil servants.
Historical Connection Between India and Mauritius
Pre-Independence Period
- The first Indian artisans arrived in Mauritius under French rule in the 1700s.
- British rule saw the migration of 500,000 indentured Indian laborers, with many settling in Mauritius.
- Mahatma Gandhi visited in 1901, promoting education and empowerment for the Indian community.
- Mauritius celebrates its National Day on March 12th, marking Gandhi’s Dandi March.
Post-Independence Period
- Diplomatic relations between India and Mauritius began in 1948.
- Mauritius’s first Prime Minister, Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, shared strong ties with Indian leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, and Bose.