India-Mauritius Relations

India-Mauritius relations has developed over the years through their shared language and cultural heritage alongside historical connections and mutual values. The special connection between India and Mauritius deepened when Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited Mauritius from March 11 to March 12, 2025. The visit represented a major development in the bilateral relationship between the two nations and established a foundation for an improved strategic partnership that seeks deeper collaboration in political, economic, cultural, and strategic areas.

India-Mauritius Relations: Historical and Cultural Ties

India-Mauritius relations have a rich history and cultural connection that has blossomed into a strong and strategic partnership over time. During Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Mauritius, both countries reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing these ties. The Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, expressed gratitude for India’s steadfast support in Mauritius’s socio-economic development since gaining independence.

The two leaders really stressed how vital it is for people and cultures to connect in order to build a stronger relationship. Mauritius joining as a guest country during India’s G20 Presidency has taken their collaboration in global matters to the next level, showcasing their shared dedication to working together on the international stage.

Political and Diplomatic Cooperation

Political engagement is a key pillar of the partnership between India and Mauritius. Both leaders recognized the strong trust and understanding that exists between their nations. They pledged to bolster cooperation in parliamentary activities and efforts to build capacity. The ongoing exchanges in parliament and the decision to ramp up interactions between the lawmakers of both countries highlight their shared aim of deepening political connections.

Key outcomes of this engagement include:

• Strengthening parliamentary exchanges and sharing best practices.
• Enhancing capacity-building programs for parliamentarians and government officials.
• Deepening political dialogue to address regional and global challenges collectively.

Development Partnership and Infrastructure Projects

India has played a vital role as a development partner for Mauritius, helping to bring several significant infrastructure projects to life. Some of these projects include the India-Mauritius Metro Express, the New Supreme Court Building, a New ENT Hospital, and 956 Social Housing Units.

During the visit, the two leaders agreed on further developmental cooperation:

• Timely delivery of 100 electric buses and associated charging infrastructure.
• Implementation of Phase II of High Impact Community Development Projects.
• Replacement of 100 km of water pipelines under India’s Line of Credit agreement.
• Finalization of the framework for the development of a new Parliament building in Mauritius.
• Redevelopment of the Ganga Talao Spiritual Sanctuary with India’s grant assistance.

India’s quick action following Cyclone Chido in Agalega, which involved sending transport aircraft and ships, has been acknowledged as a clear demonstration of India’s commitment as a reliable “First Responder” for Mauritius.

Human Resource Development and Capacity Building

India has been instrumental in boosting the human resource capabilities of Mauritius. Through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) initiative, India has offered a wide range of training programs for Mauritian professionals in different fields.

Key agreements in this area include:

• Customized training for 500 civil servants of Mauritius over five years.
• Institutional linkages between Mauritius and premier Indian institutions.
• Enhanced training for Mauritian diplomats through the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service.

Space and Climate Change Cooperation

Space cooperation is a vital aspect of the partnership between India and Mauritius. The leaders have committed to collaborating on the development and launch of a satellite that will benefit both nations, as well as supporting the establishment of a weather and climate forecasting system.

Major agreements include:

• Development and launch of the joint satellite with training for Mauritian scientists.
• Establishment of a Multi-Hazard Emergency System in Mauritius.
• Enhancement of cooperation between ISRO and the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC).

Health and Education Cooperation

Health and education are fundamental cornerstones of the partnership between India and Mauritius. India played a crucial role in establishing the first Jan Aushadhi Kendra in Mauritius, which aims to offer affordable and accessible healthcare to the community. Additionally, both countries have committed to working together on drug de-addiction and rehabilitation initiatives.

Education cooperation will be strengthened through:

• Collaboration between NCERT and the Ministry of Higher Education of Mauritius.
• Development of a National Science and Technology Strategy for Mauritius.
• Establishment of a Directorate of Science and Technology in Mauritius.

Economic and Trade Cooperation

The finalization of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) has paved the way for exciting opportunities in economic growth and trade between India and Mauritius. With its prime location in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius acts as a key gateway for Indian companies looking to tap into the African markets.

Key trade agreements include:

• Promotion of trade settlements in local currencies (INR and MUR).
• Ratification of the amendment to the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement.
• Encouragement of Indian investment in ocean economy, pharmaceuticals, IT, and FinTech.

Defence and Maritime Security

India continues to be a key ally for Mauritius when it comes to maritime security and defense. The active presence of Indian ships and aircraft conducting joint maritime surveillance and hydrography surveys really highlights the strong bond between the two nations.

Major defence agreements include:

• Provisioning of defence and maritime assets to Mauritius.
• Establishment of a National Maritime Information Sharing Centre.
• Cooperation on port safety, emergency response, and marine operations.

Digital and Cyber Cooperation

Digital cooperation is becoming an exciting avenue for collaboration between India and Mauritius. The leaders of both nations have come together to back Mauritius in its digital transformation journey by implementing India’s proven e-governance models.

Key agreements include:

• Implementation of an e-judiciary system in Mauritius.
• Digitization of records at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute.
• Strengthening cooperation in cybersecurity and digital public infrastructure.

Regional and Multilateral Cooperation

India has once again expressed its backing for Mauritius in the ongoing dispute over the Chagos Archipelago with the United Kingdom. The leaders also came to a consensus on enhancing regional collaboration through initiatives such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Colombo Security Conclave.

Cultural and People-to-People Ties

Cultural connections really are the backbone of the partnership between India and Mauritius. India’s dedication to honoring the legacy of indentured Indian workers in Mauritius shows just how strong the historical bond is between these two countries.

Cultural initiatives include:

• Preservation of indentured workers’ records at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute.
• Strengthening diaspora engagement through the Know India Programme and Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
• Promotion of tourism through visits to Char Dham and Ramayana Trail.

Key Outcomes of the Visit

Several important agreements and MoUs were signed during the visit, including:

1. Agreement between Reserve Bank of India and Bank of Mauritius for cross-border trade in local currencies.
2. Credit facility agreement between the Government of Mauritius and State Bank of India.
3. MoU on cooperation in the field of micro, small and medium enterprises.
4. MoU between the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mauritius.
5. Technical agreement on White Shipping Information sharing between the Indian Navy and Mauritius.

Recognition of India’s Contribution

During the 57th National Day celebrations in Mauritius, Prime Minister Modi received the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (G.C.S.K), which is the highest civilian award in Mauritius. This remarkable honor showcases the strong admiration and respect shared between the two countries.

 Conclusion

The India-Mauritius Joint Vision for an Enhanced Strategic Partnership is a significant milestone in the relationship between the two nations. The agreements and initiatives revealed during this visit highlight India’s steadfast dedication to supporting Mauritius in its journey towards development and prosperity. This partnership not only strengthens their ties but also sets a remarkable example of strategic collaboration and shared growth in the Indian Ocean Region.

Sources:

pib.gov.in – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2110754

Image sources: https://pib.gov.in/ShowAlbum.aspx?albumid=191407&reg=3&lang=1