India, Mauritius and a Visit to Deepen Long-Standing Ties

The Prime Minister of India will embark on a state visit to Mauritius from 11-12 March 2025, and will be the guest of honour in the Mauritius Independence Day celebrations. 

Geopolitical Context

• Rising Global Uncertainties: Shifting power dynamics and geopolitical tensions impact regional stability.
• Indian Ocean: A crucial region for global trade, maritime security, and energy routes.mIncreasing competition among major powers for influence.
• China’s  Influence: Expanding presence through infrastructure projects, economic investments, and military bases. Strengthening ties with Indian Ocean nations, challenging India’s regional dominance.
• India’s Counter-Strategy: Enhancing defense cooperation, trade relations, and diplomatic engagements. Investing in infrastructure, maritime security, and strategic alliances to balance China’s influence.

India Mauritius Relations

• Cultural Ties: Nearly 70% of Mauritius’ population traces its ancestry to India, particularly from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. These ties date back to the colonial period, when Indian indentured labourers were brought to work on sugar plantations.
• Historical Ties: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, father of the current PM, played a key role in Mauritius’ independence movement and had historical ties with India. 
  • He worked with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (1919-21) in Britain and assisted in publishing Bose’s book, The Indian Struggle.
• Preserving Heritage: India has actively contributed to preserving and promoting the cultural and linguistic heritage of the Indian-origin population in Mauritius.
  • Institutions like the Mahatma Gandhi Institute and the Indian Cultural Centre promote Indian languages and traditions.
  • The World Hindi Secretariat, based in Mauritius, is supported by India to advance Hindi as a global language.
• Bilateral Trade : Bilateral trade between India and Mauritius reached $554 million in 2022-23, reflecting steady economic engagement.
• Gateway to Africa: Mauritius serves as a key entry point for India’s economic engagement with Africa. As a member of the African Union, it benefits from preferential trade agreements with African nations, facilitating India’s market access.
• Investment Hub: The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) has positioned Mauritius as a major international financial centre. 
  • The agreement has boosted foreign investments into India, strengthening economic collaboration between both nations.
• Maritime Security Strategy: Mauritius is a crucial partner in India’s maritime security strategy, especially in the Western Indian Ocean. The country plays a key role in India’s Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
• Regional Security: Mauritius is a key member of the Colombo Security Conclave, alongside India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Bangladesh. It actively contributes to regional maritime security and counter-piracy efforts.
• Strengthening Maritime Capabilities: India has enhanced Mauritius’ maritime security infrastructure through:
  • Establishing a coastal radar station network for surveillance.
  • Redeveloping Agaléga Island as a joint surveillance facility.
  • Granting Mauritius access to the Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram.
  • Conducting oceanographic surveys using Indian naval assets like INS Sarvekshak

 Way Forward

• Strengthening Trade: Enhance bilateral trade agreements. Boost investment in key sectors like finance, technology, and infrastructure and facilitate greater market access for businesses
• Enhancing Maritime Security: Deepen naval cooperation and joint exercises. Strengthen capacity-building initiatives for maritime surveillance and counter piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing in the Indian Ocean
• Expanding Cultural Exchanges Promote educational and cultural programs and encourage tourism and people-to-people ties and support linguistic and heritage initiatives
• Positioning : Leverage Mauritius as a hub for trade and investment in Africa. Foster trilateral partnerships with African nations  and utilize Mauritius’ strategic location for regional connectivity
• Diplomatic Support: Reinforce high-level political engagement. Back Mauritius in global and regional forums and foster long-term strategic alignment in international affairs

Conclusion

India must prioritize Mauritius as a long-term strategic partner, fostering deeper collaboration across economic, security, and cultural domains while leveraging its pivotal role as a gateway to Africa.