India-Mauritius Ties: Strengthening Old Bonds with New Priorities
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India and Mauritius share a long-standing partnership built on historical, cultural, and strategic ties. Over the years, the relationship has evolved beyond cultural affinity to include economic cooperation, defence collaboration, and regional security. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit reinforced these priorities, upgrading ties to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership. This article explores the key areas of collaboration, including defence, economic development, and geopolitical strategy in the Indian Ocean.
Historical and Cultural Connection
- India and Mauritius share deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, with over 70% of Mauritians tracing their ancestry to India.
- Strong connections persist through language, religion, festivals, and traditions, reinforcing people-to-people bonds.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Mauritius highlighted these cultural links as he attended Mauritius’s National Day celebrations and received the country’s highest civilian award.
- The visit also marked a decade of cooperation between Mr. Modi and Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, who has long maintained close ties with India.
- India has consistently supported Mauritius in times of need, including:
- Medical evacuation of Mr. Ramgoolam during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing India’s humanitarian commitment.
- Providing cultural and educational assistance, strengthening Mauritius’s Indian heritage.
Strategic Partnership and Defence Cooperation
- India and Mauritius upgraded their relationship to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, emphasizing defence, maritime security, and economic collaboration.
- A key aspect of this partnership is India’s commitment to safeguarding Mauritius’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) through:
- Deployment of ships and aircraft for joint maritime surveillance.
- Support for the Mauritius Coast Guard through naval vessels, surveillance equipment, and training.
- Establishment of a National Maritime Information Sharing Centre and a police academy in Mauritius.
- India and Mauritius signed a White Shipping Agreement, improving commercial shipping data sharing to enhance maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean.
- India reaffirmed its support for Mauritius in the Chagos Archipelago dispute, backing Mauritius’s sovereignty claims over the British-controlled islands.
Economic Cooperation and Development Projects
- India is a leading development partner of Mauritius, investing in infrastructure, trade, and technology.
- A major announcement during Mr. Modi’s visit was a ₹487 crore rupee-denominated credit facility for upgrading water infrastructure, marking the first-ever rupee-based line of credit extended to any country.
- Previous Indian-funded projects in Mauritius include:
- Metro Express Project – A modern urban transport system improving connectivity.
- New Supreme Court Building – Enhancing Mauritius’s judicial infrastructure.
- Civil Service College – Supporting governance reforms and administrative training.
- Social Housing Schemes – Providing affordable housing for Mauritian citizens.
- India is also constructing a new Parliament building in Mauritius, reinforcing the special bilateral relationship.
- Both nations agreed to increase trade in local currencies, reducing dependency on the US dollar.
- India and Mauritius are working towards reforming the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) to comply with international financial standards.
India’s Strategic Influence and Geopolitical Considerations
- India sees Mauritius as a key partner in the Indian Ocean, serving as a bridge to the Global South.
- Mr. Modi introduced the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) doctrine, expanding upon SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
- MAHASAGAR focuses on:
- Trade for development – Strengthening economic partnerships and investment.
- Capacity building – Enhancing skills and knowledge-sharing in key sectors.
- Mutual security – Deepening defence and maritime cooperation.
- China’s growing influence in Mauritius poses challenges, as China has:
- Signed a free trade agreement with Mauritius.
- Increased bilateral trade to $1.1 billion, nearly double India-Mauritius trade.
- Invested in maritime infrastructure, raising security concerns.
- In response, India is boosting its defence and diplomatic engagements to maintain strategic balance in the region.
Defence Collaboration and Maritime Security
- India and Mauritius reinforced defence and security cooperation, positioning India as a key security provider.
- India is assisting Mauritius in protecting its EEZ through:
- Deployment of ships and aircraft for surveillance and patrolling.
- Provision of defence and maritime equipment to enhance Mauritius’s naval capabilities.
- Joint military exercises and training programs for the Mauritius Coast Guard.
- The White Shipping Agreement enhances real-time exchange of commercial shipping data, improving maritime domain awareness.
- INS Imphal, an Indian naval warship, participated in Mauritius’s National Day celebrations, strengthening military ties.
- India has also developed an airstrip and jetty in the Agalega Islands, reinforcing its presence in the Western Indian Ocean.
Chagos Archipelago and India’s Diplomatic Backing
- The Chagos Archipelago dispute is a major geopolitical issue involving:
- Mauritius’s demand for sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, currently under UK control.
- The Diego Garcia military base, a key US-UK strategic asset in the Indian Ocean.
- A 2021 international tribunal ruling favoring Mauritius’s claim over Chagos.
- Newly elected PM Navin Ramgoolam seeks to renegotiate the agreement with the UK regarding Chagos sovereignty.
- India has fully backed Mauritius’s claim, aligning with its broader Indian Ocean strategy.
- This diplomatic support strengthens India’s regional influence while ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Expanding Cooperation in Trade, Technology, and Infrastructure
- India and Mauritius are expanding ties in emerging sectors, including:
- Space research and satellite development – India to assist Mauritius in launching its own satellite.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health – Strengthening Mauritius’s technology ecosystem.
- Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology – Supporting Mauritius’s health sector.
- Fintech and cybersecurity – Developing secure financial and digital networks.
- A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India’s Enforcement Directorate and Mauritius’s Financial Crimes Commission to combat money laundering and financial fraud.
- India supports ocean economy initiatives, helping Mauritius develop marine resources for sustainable growth.
- Mauritius is seen as a gateway for Indian businesses to expand into Africa, leveraging its strategic location and trade agreements.
- Infrastructure development remains a priority, with India committed to:
- Constructing a new Parliament building.
- Launching additional community projects worth 500 million Mauritian rupees.
Conclusion: Strengthening a Time-Tested Partnership
India’s partnership with Mauritius is built on trust, historical ties, and strategic cooperation. Prime Minister Modi’s visit reinforced India’s commitment to:
- Ensuring regional security, safeguarding Mauritius’s interests in the Indian Ocean.
- Expanding economic collaboration, through investments in trade, technology, and infrastructure.
- Strengthening defence and maritime security, countering geopolitical threats.
- Supporting Mauritius’s sovereignty claims, particularly in the Chagos Archipelago dispute.
As global dynamics shift, India’s proactive engagement with Mauritius solidifies its role as a reliable partner in the Indo-Pacific region. Through enhanced cooperation, both nations are set to benefit from a stronger, more resilient partnership.
Practice Question
Discuss the role of Mauritius in India’s Indian Ocean security strategy and its significance in countering geopolitical challenges. (250 words)
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