Mauritius (Commonwealth Union)_ Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day state visit to Mauritius, which commenced on March 11, marks a significant milestone in the growing relationship between India and the island nation. This visit, which coincided with the 57th National Day celebrations of Mauritius, highlights the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and economic ties between the two countries. Modi was invited by his Mauritian counterpart, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, to be the guest of honor at the National Day festivities, a celebration marked by the participation of the Indian defense forces, an Indian Navy warship, and the Indian Air Force’s Akash Ganga skydiving squad. This grand event underscored the close military and diplomatic relations shared by India and Mauritius.
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Strengthening bilateral relations
Beyond the National Day celebrations, Prime Minister Modi participated in a series of diplomatic, cultural, and economic engagements with Mauritian officials. Several important agreements were signed during the visit, emphasizing cooperation in various sectors, including capacity building, trade, and addressing cross-border financial crimes. These agreements are part of a broader effort to enhance India-Mauritius ties, which have remained strong due to shared values, a common history, and a significant Indian diaspora in Mauritius.
Among the most noteworthy aspects of the visit was the announcement of India’s new maritime cooperation doctrine in the Indian Ocean. Named “MAHASAGAR” (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), this initiative builds on the earlier Vision ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) announced by Modi a decade ago. The MAHASAGAR doctrine aims to foster closer security and growth ties between countries in the Indian Ocean, particularly focusing on the Global South. This is especially pertinent given the growing influence of China in the region, which has raised concerns over the strategic balance in the Indian Ocean.
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Countering China’s growing presence
Mauritius, strategically located in the western Indian Ocean, has increasingly become a focal point of geopolitical competition, with both India and China vying for influence in the region. China’s expanding economic and strategic presence in Mauritius has raised concerns for India. Since China signed a free trade agreement with Mauritius in 2019, bilateral trade between the two countries has surged, reaching $1.1 billion. China has also made significant investments in the island nation, further strengthening its strategic partnership.
In response to this growing Chinese presence, India has ramped up its engagement with Mauritius, particularly in the defense and infrastructure sectors. India has been assisting Mauritius with the construction of facilities on the Agalega Islands, which are strategically located to monitor maritime traffic in the region. Furthermore, India has reaffirmed its support for Mauritius’s sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, an issue central to the country’s territorial integrity. These moves are part of India’s broader strategy to ensure a balanced geopolitical presence in the region and to counterbalance China’s growing influence.
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Highest honour for Modi’s leadership
A key highlight of Prime Minister Modi’s visit was his receipt of Mauritius’ highest civilian honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean. This prestigious award marks the 21st international honor bestowed upon Modi by a foreign nation, making him the first Indian to receive such an honor from Mauritius. The recognition is seen not only as an acknowledgment of Modi’s leadership but also as a symbol of the strong bond between India and Mauritius, which is home to a large population of Indian origin.
Meeting the Indian diaspora
During his visit, Modi also engaged with the Indian diaspora in Mauritius, announcing the issuance of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards to the seventh generation of people of Indian origin in Mauritius. This gesture is seen as a significant step in strengthening the connection between India and its diaspora. In his address to the Indian community, Modi expressed gratitude to the people and government of Mauritius for the honor, emphasizing that the recognition was not only for him but also for the deep and historic ties between the two nations.
Major MoUs and development initiatives
The economic relationship between India and Mauritius has been a cornerstone of their partnership. During his visit, Modi inaugurated more than 20 India-funded projects aimed at bolstering Mauritius’ infrastructure and development. These included the Civil Services College Building, the Area Health Centre, and 20 community projects focused on enhancing local democracy, capacity building, and development initiatives. Modi also inaugurated the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service & Innovation and the Mauritius Area Health Centre at Cap Malheureux, both of which are expected to significantly contribute to the island nation’s growth and development.
Additionally, the two countries signed eight key agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) during the visit. These agreements covered a wide range of areas, including cross-border financial transactions, support for Mauritius’ micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and technical cooperation in maritime security. One of the most important agreements was between the Reserve Bank of India and the Bank of Mauritius, aimed at promoting the use of local currencies in cross-border transactions, which is expected to further enhance economic cooperation between the two nations. The agreements are:
- Agreement between the Central Bank of Mauritius and the Reserve Bank of India on a local currency settlement system.
- Credit facility agreement between the Government of Mauritius and the State Bank of India to finance the Central Water Authority’s Pipe Replacement Programme.
- Partnership between the Institute of Foreign Service of India and Mauritius’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs for diplomat training.
- Technical Agreement enabling the exchange of white shipping information between the Indian Navy and the Mauritius Police Force.
- Collaboration between the Financial Crimes Commission of Mauritius and India’s Enforcement Directorate.
- MoU between Mauritius’ Ministry of Industry, SMEs, and Cooperatives and India’s Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises to support MSMEs.
- Agreement to train public officers, signed between Mauritius’ Ministry of Public Service and India’s National Centre for Good Governance.
- Cooperation between India’s National Centre for Ocean Information Services and Mauritius’ Department for Continental Shelf, Maritime Zones Administration, and Exploration.
Future prospects for India-Mauritius relations
Mauritius, which gained independence in 1968, is one of India’s key partners in Africa and the Indian Ocean region. The country’s strategic location and its demographic connection to India, with nearly 70% of the population being of Indian descent, make it an important ally in India’s broader regional strategy. Strengthening ties with Mauritius is part of India’s efforts to secure its influence in the Indian Ocean amid the growing competition with China and other global powers. PM Modi’s visit underscores India’s commitment to deepening its relationship with Mauritius and enhancing regional security in the Indian Ocean. By working closely with Mauritius and other island nations, India aims to counterbalance China’s growing dominance in the region and promote a stable, secure, and prosperous Indian Ocean.
India’s bold move
Prime Minister Modi’s two-day visit to Mauritius was a resounding success, underscoring the importance of bilateral ties between India and Mauritius. The visit served as a platform for advancing cooperation in various sectors, from defense and maritime security to infrastructure and economic development. Furthermore, it provided an opportunity for India to boldly assert its role in counterbalancing China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region. With the signing of multiple agreements, the launch of new projects, and the recognition of Modi’s leadership, the visit stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between India and Mauritius and the strategic importance of their partnership in the broader geopolitical landscape.
