Context

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius on March 11-12, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the enduring relationship between the two nations.
• His participation as the guest of honour at Mauritius' Independence Day celebrations highlights the deep historical and strategic ties binding India and the island nation.
• This visit, occurring amidst global geopolitical uncertainties, provides an opportunity for India to reaffirm its commitment to Mauritius’ prosperity, security, and development.

The Historical Bond Between India and Mauritius

• India and Mauritius share a relationship rooted in history, culture, and kinship.
• Mauritius has a substantial Indian-origin population, with nearly 70% of its citizens tracing their ancestry to Indian indentured labourers brought by colonial rulers to work on sugar plantations.
• The country is a melting pot of cultures, with Indo-Mauritians preserving languages such as Bhojpuri, Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi.
• The bond between the two nations extends beyond cultural similarities.
• Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, Mauritius’ first Prime Minister and a key figure in its independence movement, was deeply connected to India’s freedom struggle.
• His association with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in London during the early 20th century highlights the intertwined histories of both nations.
• Over the years, India has played an active role in promoting Mauritius’ cultural heritage, as seen in initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi Institute and the Indian Cultural Centre, the largest of its kind worldwide.

Key Features of India-Mauritius Relations and Cooperation

• Diplomatic and Political Stability
  • Regardless of the party in power, India-Mauritius relations have remained stable and positive.
  • The recent election of Navinchandra Ramgoolam as Prime Minister presents an opportunity for further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
  • During his previous tenure, Mr. Ramgoolam demonstrated a keen understanding of India’s security concerns, and his leadership is expected to open new avenues for collaboration.
  • For Indian diplomats, maintaining strong relationships across all segments of Mauritian society is crucial.
  • While cultural and linguistic ties with the Indo-Mauritian population are important, engaging with the country’s diverse ethnic groups, including the influential French-origin population, ensures balanced diplomatic outreach.
• Economic and Trade Cooperation
  • Economic cooperation between India and Mauritius has grown significantly in recent years, with bilateral trade reaching $554 million in 2022-23.
  • Mauritius serves as a gateway to Africa, benefiting from its membership in the African Union and preferential trade agreements with African nations.
  • The island’s bilingual population, along with its well-regulated banking and financial sectors, makes it an attractive hub for investment and business.
• Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)
  • One of the most significant aspects of India-Mauritius economic ties is the DTAA, which has positioned Mauritius as a major channel for foreign investment into India.
  • This agreement has also contributed to Mauritius' emergence as a prominent international financial centre.
  • Strengthening economic ties through trade and investment will further enhance mutual benefits. 

India’s Strategic Initiatives in Mauritius

• Coastal Radar Stations
  • India has established a network of coastal radar stations in Mauritius to monitor activities in the vast exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
  • These stations provide real-time data on ship movements, helping both nations detect potential threats such as illegal fishing, smuggling, piracy, and unauthorised military presence.
• Upgrading Agaléga Island
  • India has significantly redeveloped the Mauritian island of Agaléga, transforming it into a crucial joint surveillance and naval facility.
  • The upgraded infrastructure, including an extended airstrip, allows for the operation of larger aircraft for reconnaissance and maritime patrols.
  • This development enhances Mauritius' ability to monitor its waters while also bolstering India's regional security presence.
• Information Sharing Through IFC-IOR
  • Mauritius has been granted access to India’s Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), based in Gurugram.
  • This centre provides real-time maritime domain awareness by integrating surveillance data from multiple sources.
  • The IFC-IOR enables Mauritius to respond more effectively to security threats, including illicit maritime activities and foreign military presence in its waters.
• Naval Cooperation and Training
  • India regularly conducts joint naval exercises with Mauritius to improve operational coordination and enhance maritime security.
  • Additionally, the Indian Navy provides training and technical support to the Mauritian Coast Guard and Navy, strengthening their capabilities in areas such as anti-piracy operations, search-and-rescue missions, and disaster response.
• Oceanographic Surveys
  • The Indian Navy’s oceanographic survey ship, INS Sarvekshak, recently completed a survey of 25,000 square kilometres of Mauritius' ocean territory.
  • This initiative aids in mapping underwater resources, identifying navigational hazards, and improving overall maritime safety.

The Broader Geopolitical Context of India-Mauritius Maritime Ties

• India’s maritime cooperation with Mauritius takes on added significance in the context of China’s expanding footprint in the Indian Ocean.
• China has been increasing its presence in the region through investments in port infrastructure, naval deployments, and economic partnerships with various island nations.
• The development of Chinese-funded projects, including those under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has raised concerns about the potential militarization of key maritime locations.
• By deepening its security ties with Mauritius, India is ensuring that the Indian Ocean remains a stable and secure region, free from external influences that could disrupt the balance of power.
• The India-Mauritius partnership serves as a counterbalance to China's presence and reinforces India’s role as the primary security provider in the region.

Conclusion

• Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Mauritius goes beyond ceremonial honours; it is a reaffirmation of India’s commitment to a stable, prosperous, and secure Indian Ocean region.
• The historical, cultural, economic, and strategic ties between the two nations provide a strong foundation for continued collaboration.
• As the world navigates uncertain geopolitical waters, the India-Mauritius relationship remains an anchor of stability and mutual growth.