17-March-2025-Editorial

INDIA-MAURITIUS RELATIONS

During the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Mauritius, both nations signed multiple agreements focused on trade, maritime security, and defense. The visit marked an elevation of their ties to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership and reinforced regional cooperation.

Additionally, the Indian PM was honored with Mauritius’ highest national award, the ‘Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean.’

Key Highlights of the Visit

1. Strengthening Bilateral Ties

• India and Mauritius upgraded their relationship to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, emphasizing security, trade, and regional development.
• Both nations agreed to amend the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) to align with global tax regulations.

2. Introduction of the ‘Mahasagar’ Vision

• India introduced the MAHASAGAR initiative (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), building on the SAGAR policy to boost cooperation with the Global South.
• The initiative focuses on technology sharing, concessional loans, grants, trade facilitation, and security cooperation.

3. Maritime and Security Collaboration

• Mauritius agreed to enhance the use of Agalega Island’s upgraded jetty and runway, both developed with Indian assistance.
• India reaffirmed support for Mauritius’ claim over the Chagos Archipelago, a long-standing territorial issue.
• Collaboration extended to white shipping agreements, blue economy projects, and hydrographic surveys.

4. Economic and Developmental Support

• India extended its first rupee-denominated Line of Credit to help Mauritius modernize its water pipeline network.
• Additional projects include establishing 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 community projects funded by India.

5. India’s Gift: A New Parliament Building

• India will construct a new Parliament building in Mauritius, symbolizing India’s commitment to democratic values.

6. Multilateral Cooperation

• India and Mauritius reinforced their partnership in regional forums like the Colombo Security Conclave, IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association), and the Indian Ocean Conference.

Historical Ties Between India and Mauritius

1. Pre-Independence Period

• The first Indians in Mauritius arrived during the French colonial era (1700s) as artisans and masons from Puducherry.
• During British rule (1834–early 1900s), nearly 500,000 Indian indentured laborers migrated, with most settling permanently.
• Mahatma Gandhi’s visit in 1901 influenced the Indian community to demand education and political rights.
• Mauritius celebrates National Day on March 12, honoring Gandhi’s Dandi March.

2. Post-Independence Period

• India and Mauritius established diplomatic ties in 1948, two decades before Mauritius’ independence in 1968.
• Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, Mauritius’ first PM, had close ties with Indian leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

Why is Mauritius Important for India?

1. Maritime and Strategic Significance

• Mauritius’ location in the western Indian Ocean makes it crucial for India’s SAGAR and MAHASAGAR policies.
• It plays a key role in securing maritime routes in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

2. Countering China’s Presence

• China’s growing influence in the region makes India’s strong relationship with Mauritius strategically significant.
• Strengthening ties with Mauritius helps India protect sea lines of communication (SLOCs) and its maritime interests.

3. Economic Gateway to Africa

• Mauritius serves as a bridge for India’s trade and investments into Africa, being part of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
• Mauritius is India’s 2nd-largest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) source (FY 2023-24) after Singapore.

4. Cultural and Diaspora Connections

• About 70% of Mauritius’ population is of Indian origin, fostering deep cultural and linguistic ties.
• Celebrations like Maha Shivratri and Ganga Talao pilgrimage reflect strong Hindu traditions in Mauritius.

Why is India Important for Mauritius?

1. Key Development Partner

• India has provided USD 1.1 billion in financial aid to Mauritius in the past decade.
• Major Indian-supported projects include the Metro Express, Supreme Court building, hospitals, and other infrastructure.

2. Maritime Security Assistance

• India supports Mauritius’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) patrols, joint naval surveillance, and hydrographic surveys.
• India provides ships and patrol vessels to Mauritius for maritime security.

3. Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Aid

• India has been the first responder in crises, assisting Mauritius during:

• Cyclone Chido (2024)
• Wakashio Oil Spill (2020)
• COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts

4. Capacity Building and Training

• Mauritius benefits from India’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, with over 4,900 professionals trained since 2002.
• India provides specialized civil service training for Mauritius through the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG).

Conclusion

India and Mauritius have deep-rooted historical ties, reinforced by strategic, economic, and cultural cooperation. The recent agreements in trade, security, and infrastructure under the Mahasagar vision strengthen regional stability and counter external influences. As partners, their collaboration is vital for maintaining peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).