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India-Mauritius Relations: A Cornerstone of India’s Maritime Strategy
Context:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius (March 11-12, 2025) marks a reaffirmation of the deep-rooted ties between the two nations.
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- As the guest of honour at Mauritius’ Independence Day celebrations on March 12, his visit highlights the enduring political consensus in India-Mauritius relations.
- This trip comes as Mauritius transitions under a new government led by Navinchandra Ramgoolam, whose Labour Party secured a decisive victory in the November 2024 elections.
About the Relations
- India and Mauritius share deep-rooted historical, cultural, economic, and strategic ties.
- The bilateral relationship has evolved into a full-spectrum partnership, encompassing maritime security, trade, investment, and diplomatic cooperation.
- Mauritius, strategically located in the Southwest Indian Ocean, plays a key role in India’s Indian Ocean strategy.
- Modi’s last visit to the island nation was in 2015, making this a significant diplomatic engagement amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius on March 11-12, 2025, reaffirms India’s commitment to strengthening ties.
Historical and Cultural Ties
- 70% of Mauritius’s population is of Indian origin, primarily descendants of indentured labourers from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
- Strong linguistic and cultural ties with Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, and Bhojpuri-speaking communities.
- Presence of the Mahatma Gandhi Institute and the World Hindi Secretariat, promoting Indian languages and culture.
- Mauritius celebrates its National Day on March 12, commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March, symbolising shared values of freedom and resilience.
- Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, Mauritius’s first Prime Minister, had close links with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
Political and Diplomatic Engagement
- Mauritius has consistently supported India on global platforms and participated in key Indian events such as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and G20 presidency meetings.
- India played a crucial role in Mauritius regaining sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, aiding in its decolonisation process.
- Regular high-level visits and political consensus in both countries ensure policy continuity in bilateral relations.
- The new government under Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam seeks to strengthen strategic ties with India.
Economic and Trade Relations
- Mauritius is the second-largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India after Singapore.
- The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) signed in 2021 was India’s first trade agreement with an African country.
- Mauritius serves as a financial hub for investments into India, benefiting from the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), last amended in 2024.
- Bilateral trade reached $554 million in 2022-23 and continues to grow, with Mauritius emerging as India’s gateway to Africa.
Strategic and Maritime Security Cooperation
- Mauritius is a sentinel of the western Indian Ocean, playing a pivotal role in India’s maritime security strategy.
- India has established coastal radar stations and redeveloped the Agaléga island for joint surveillance, enhancing maritime domain awareness.
- Mauritius is part of the Colombo Security Conclave, along with India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Bangladesh, ensuring regional security.
- Access to India’s Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram enhances Mauritius’s maritime monitoring capabilities.
- India’s INS Sarvekshak conducted a survey of 25,000 sq. km of Mauritius’s ocean territory, reinforcing maritime cooperation.
Development and Humanitarian Assistance
- India has contributed to major infrastructure projects in Mauritius, including the Mauritius Metro and various road and housing projects.
- During crises, India has been a first responder:
- COVID-19 pandemic: Supplied critical medical aid and vaccines.
- 2020 oil spill: Indian ships assisted in cleanup efforts.
- Cyclone Chido (2024): Rapid response to provide relief assistance.
- Mauritian PM Ramgoolam sought emergency medical treatment in India during COVID-19 in 2021, reflecting trust in India’s healthcare.
Geopolitical and Global Significance of Mauritius
- Mauritius’s strategic location off the East African coast makes it vital for all maritime powers.
- Headquarters of Indian Ocean Commission and Indian Ocean Rim Association, strengthening India’s regional presence.
- Announced in Mauritius in 2015, India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy underscores the country’s maritime vision.
- China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean makes India-Mauritius ties crucial for regional stability.
Conclusion: A Model for Bilateral Cooperation
The India-Mauritius partnership is a stable anchor in an uncertain geopolitical landscape. Empathy, cultural affinity, and strategic foresight drive strong bilateral ties. PM Modi’s visit aims to further consolidate the relationship, ensuring Mauritius remains a steadfast partner in India’s regional and global strategy. Sustained diplomatic, economic, and security engagement will ensure that Mauritius remains a reliable ally in India’s extended neighbourhood.
