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The Prime Minister's visit to Mauritius on March 11–12, 2025, marks a key moment in India-Mauritius relations.

India-Mauritius Relations

Historical and Cultural Ties

Nearly 70% of Mauritius’ population traces its roots to Indian indentured laborers brought by British and French colonizers in the 19th century. This diaspora has preserved cultural practices, languages (Bhojpuri, Tamil, Telugu), and festivals like Maha Shivaratri, creating an unbreakable people-to-people bond.

Mauritius’ first Prime Minister, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR), drew inspiration from India’s freedom struggle. His association with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in London during the 1930s solidified early diplomatic ties.

India funds institutions like the Mahatma Gandhi Institute (promoting education and cultural exchange) and the Indian Cultural Centre (the largest globally), which serve as hubs for Hindi, yoga, and classical dance.

Diplomatic and Political Collaboration

The recent election of Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam signals continuity. During his earlier tenure (1995–2000, 2005–2014), Ramgoolam strengthened defense ties with India and supported initiatives like the India-Mauritius DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement).

India engages with the Indo-Mauritian majority, and also the Franco-Mauritian elite (3% of the population but influential in business) and Creole communities, to ensure comprehensive partnerships across sectors like tourism, finance, and security.

Trade and Investment

Bilateral trade reached $554 million in 2022–23, with Mauritius serving as India’s gateway to Africa via its African Union membership and trade agreements. Key exports include pharmaceuticals, textiles, and machinery.

The DTAA (revised in 2016 to curb tax evasion) positions Mauritius as India’s third-largest source of FDI ($161 billion from 2000–2022), particularly in sectors like fintech and renewable energy.

Maritime Security Initiatives

Coastal Surveillance Radar Stations (CSRS): India installed radar systems across Mauritius’ 2.3 million sq km EEZ to monitor illegal fishing, piracy, and Chinese naval movements. Real-time data is shared with India’s Information Fusion Centre (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram.

Agaléga Island Upgrade: India transformed this remote island into a strategic naval hub with a 3,000-meter airstrip, jetty, and barracks. The infrastructure supports P-8I reconnaissance aircraft, enhancing surveillance over Mozambique Channel and southern Indian Ocean.

INS Sarvekshak’s Oceanographic Surveys: Mapped 25,000 sq km of Mauritius’ waters to identify resources and navigational routes, boosting blue economy prospects.

Naval Collaboration

Joint exercises like VARUNA enhance interoperability. India trains Mauritian forces in anti-piracy ops and disaster response, donating patrol vessels (e.g., MCGS Barracuda in 2015).

Geopolitical Importance: Countering China

China’s “String of Pearls” strategy includes port investments in Djibouti, Sri Lanka (Hambantota), and Pakistan (Gwadar). In Mauritius, Chinese firms have funded infrastructure like the Bagatelle Dam and expressways, raising concerns about debt-trap diplomacy.

Narendra Modi’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision positions India as the Indian Ocean’s net security provider. By upgrading Agaléga and sharing maritime intelligence, India counters China’s PLA Navy deployments near Diego Garcia (US-UK base) and the Mozambique Channel.

Way Forward

Collaboration in solar energy (e.g., India’s International Solar Alliance) and marine biotechnology could reduce Mauritius’ dependence on fossil fuels.

Mauritius’ Smart City projects and India’s Digital India initiative offer synergies in IT and e-governance.

Mauritius maintains ties with the EU (via trade agreements), the UAE (investment in real estate) and China. India must ensure its partnerships add distinct value without triggering geopolitical friction.

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Source:

THE HINDU

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