Mauritius and Seychelles – India’s Maritime Strategy

PM Modi’s Twin Visits to Mauritius and Seychelles in 2015.

Historical Ties and Strategic Importance of the Indian Ocean Region.

India’s relationship with Mauritius and Seychelles is deeply rooted in history, culture, and strategic interests. Mauritius, with nearly 70% of its 1.3 million people of Indian origin, shares strong cultural and historical ties with India. The island nation has long been a bridge between India and Africa, making it a crucial partner in India’s outreach to the continent. Similarly, Seychelles, though smaller in size and population, has maintained a close relationship with India due to shared democratic values and mutual security concerns.

The Indian Ocean has historically been a crucial maritime corridor for global trade and military strategy. During colonial times, European powers—including the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British—competed for control over these islands, recognising their strategic value. In the modern era, the region continues to be a critical point of interest, especially with China’s increasing presence through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its first overseas military base in Djibouti. Modi’s visits to Mauritius and Seychelles were not just about reinforcing historical ties but also about countering the growing influence of external players and securing India’s maritime interests.

PM Modi’s Visit to Mauritius: Strengthening Cultural and Strategic Bonds

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius on 11–12 March 2015 was a significant milestone in India-Mauritius relations. As the Chief Guest at Mauritius’ National Day celebrations, his presence symbolised the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between the two nations. The visit focused on strengthening economic cooperation, maritime security, and diplomatic engagement. Key agreements were signed, reinforcing India’s commitment to Mauritius’ development while highlighting its role as a trusted regional partner.

Symbolic Participation in National Day Celebrations: PM Modi’s visit to Mauritius on March 11–12, 2015, was of special significance as he was invited as the Chief Guest for the country’s National Day celebrations. This was a powerful symbol of the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between the two nations. His presence highlighted India’s role as a steadfast partner in Mauritius’ development journey. An Indian military contingent and the Akash Ganga skydiving team participated in the celebrations, further showcasing the military camaraderie between the two nations​.

Economic Cooperation and Development Initiatives: India’s economic engagement with Mauritius was a central focus of Modi’s visit. He extended a $500 million concessional line of credit for key infrastructure projects, reinforcing India’s commitment to Mauritius’ development​. Additionally, five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, covering:

Ocean Economy Cooperation – Focused on sustainable development of marine resources.
Cultural Cooperation (2015-18) – Strengthened cultural exchanges and historical ties.
Traditional Medicine – Facilitated knowledge-sharing in Ayurveda and homeopathy.
Sea and Air Transportation Facilities on Agaléga Island – Enhanced connectivity and security capabilities.
Import of Fresh Mangoes from India – Strengthened trade and agricultural ties​.
Maritime Security and Defence Cooperation: Recognising Mauritius’ strategic importance in the IOR, India signed agreements to enhance maritime security cooperation. The most notable was the agreement to develop Agaléga Island’s airstrip and port infrastructure, significantly improving Mauritius’ defence capabilities​. India also announced support for building petroleum storage facilities and strengthening Mauritius’ naval forces by gifting a fast interceptor boat to bolster maritime surveillance​.

Diplomatic and Diaspora Engagement: Mauritius has one of the largest Indian diaspora populations, and Modi’s engagement with the local Indian community was a highlight of his visit. He emphasised their role as a “living bridge” between India and Mauritius, reflecting India’s soft power diplomacy. His address to the Mauritian Parliament in Hindi resonated deeply with the local population, strengthening cultural bonds​.

PM Modi’s Visit to Seychelles: Bolstering Strategic Partnerships

Historic Visit After 34 Years

Modi’s visit to Seychelles on March 10–11, 2015, was historic as he became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the island nation in 34 years​. This underscored India’s renewed focus on maritime security and cooperation in the IOR.

Bilateral Agreements and Strategic Infrastructure Development: India and Seychelles signed four key agreements aimed at strengthening their strategic partnership:

Hydrography Cooperation – Improved maritime mapping and safety.
Renewable Energy – Promoted sustainable energy solutions, particularly solar and wind power.
Infrastructure Development – Enhanced port and transport connectivity.
Navigation Charts Exchange – Facilitated smoother maritime operations​.
One of the most significant agreements was on the development of Assumption Island’s infrastructure. India planned to construct a naval base and an airstrip, enhancing maritime surveillance in the western Indian Ocean​. This move was seen as a counterbalance to China’s increasing influence in the region, particularly through its growing military presence in Africa.

Maritime Security and Defence Collaboration: Maritime security was a top priority during Modi’s visit. India provided Seychelles with a second Dornier aircraft to enhance its maritime monitoring capabilities​. Additionally, the Coastal Surveillance Radar Project was launched to improve Seychelles’ ability to monitor its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)​. These initiatives underscored India’s role as a net security provider in the IOR.

Blue Economy and Climate Change Cooperation: Recognising the importance of sustainable development, Modi announced India’s support for Seychelles’ blue economy initiatives, focusing on marine resource management, ocean research, and climate resilience​. Given that island nations like Seychelles are particularly vulnerable to climate change, this cooperation was a crucial aspect of the visit.

The Broader Strategic Impact of Modi’s Visits

Prime Minister Modi’s visits to Mauritius and Seychelles in 2015 played a crucial role in countering China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). China had been expanding its presence by investing in infrastructure and military cooperation with these island nations. By reinforcing ties with Mauritius and Seychelles, India aimed to maintain its role as the dominant regional power. These visits also helped prevent strategic encirclement by ensuring that India remained a key player in the region’s geopolitical landscape.

One of the major outcomes of Modi’s visits was the strengthening of regional maritime security. India signed agreements to develop naval bases in Mauritius and Seychelles, which improved their defence infrastructure. Additionally, India provided both nations with surveillance aircraft and radar systems, enhancing their ability to monitor their territorial waters. These initiatives safeguarded critical sea lanes of communication (SLOCs) from threats such as piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing, ensuring greater security and stability in the region.

Economic cooperation was another significant aspect of Modi’s visits, with India offering concessional lines of credit to both nations. These funds supported infrastructure development, trade, and investment opportunities. A key focus was the “blue economy,” which promotes the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth. By encouraging economic partnerships, India strengthened its role as a reliable development partner while helping Mauritius and Seychelles achieve long-term financial stability and prosperity.

Cultural diplomacy was also an essential part of these visits, as both Mauritius and Seychelles have strong historical ties with India. Modi engaged with the Indian diaspora, recognising their contributions to the region’s development. In Mauritius, he promoted Hindi language initiatives, reinforcing the cultural connections between the two nations. His efforts to support cultural exchange and historical ties strengthened India’s soft power influence, making it a more trusted and influential partner in the region.

Overall, Modi’s visits to Mauritius and Seychelles reinforced India’s strategic, economic, and cultural ties with these key Indian Ocean nations. By countering China’s expanding footprint, enhancing maritime security, boosting trade, and strengthening cultural diplomacy, India reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability and growth. These visits marked a turning point in India’s foreign policy, positioning it as a responsible and reliable leader in the Indian Ocean Region while deepening its partnerships with Mauritius and Seychelles.

Mauritius, frequently appertained to as the” Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” is a stunning islet nation located in Africa. Known for its pristine strands, lush geographies, vibrant culture, and luxury resorts, Mauritius attracts excursionists and businesses likewise. Below is an SEO-friendly summary incorporating high- volume keywords.

Where Is Mauritius?

Mauritius is an islet in the Indian Ocean, positioned off the southeast seacoast of Africa near Madagascar. Its capital megacity, Port Louis, serves as a bustling mecca for commerce, history, and culture.

Mauritius Tourism Highlights

Mauritius strands The islet boasts world- notorious strands like Grand Baie and Flicen- Flac, ideal for relaxation and water sports.

Places in Mauritius Popular lodestones include Ile aux Cerfs, Black River ravines National Park, and Port Louis requests. Mauritius Resorts famed luxury resorts similar as those in Belle Mare offer unequaled comfort and scenic views. Mauritius hospices From exchange hospices to five- star lodgment , Mauritius caters to all types of trippers

Mauritius People and Culture

The people of Mauritius are a mix of different races — primarily South Asian, African, European, and Chinese. This multilateral society speaks English( functionary), French, Creole, and other ethnical languages. The rich artistic shade is reflected in the islet’s cookery, carnivals, and traditions.

Why Visit Mauritius?

Whether you are seeking adventure or relaxationExplore natural prodigies like coral reefs and mountain ranges. Dive into rich artistic gests at Port Louis or original townlets. Stay at world- class resorts that promise comfort and indulgence.

Conclusion: A Lasting Impact on India’s Indian Ocean Strategy

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The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH