The Hindu Editorial Analysis
15 March 2025
India-Mauritius Relations
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)
Topic: GS 2: International Relations
Context
During the Prime Minister of India’s recent visit to Mauritius, both nations signed several important agreements focused on trade, maritime security, and defense, marking a significant step towards a stronger strategic partnership. The Prime Minister was also honored with Mauritius’s highest national award, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean.
Key Outcomes of India’s PM Visit to Mauritius
- Enhanced Strategic Partnership:
- Both countries upgraded their relationship to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, emphasizing security, local currency trade, and development.
- They committed to maintaining a free and secure Indian Ocean.
2. Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA):
- Agreement to ratify a protocol to amend the DTAA, aligning it with international standards.
3. MAHASAGAR Initiative:
- India launched the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiative, building on the previous SAGAR framework.
- This initiative aims to enhance collaboration with the Global South through technology sharing, concessional loans, grants, and mutual security cooperation.
4. Security Cooperation:
- Agreement to enhance the use of Agalega Island’s new runway and jetty, developed by India.
- India reaffirmed its support for Mauritius’s sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago.
- Cooperation will also focus on white shipping, the blue economy, and hydrography.
5. Developmental Support:
- India announced its first rupee-denominated Line of Credit to assist Mauritius in replacing its water pipelines.
- Plans to establish a police academy and a maritime information-sharing center in Mauritius.
- The inauguration of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation, a health center, and 20 Indian-funded community projects.
6. New Parliament Building:
- India will construct a new Parliament building for Mauritius, described as a gift from the “Mother of Democracy.”
7. Multilateral Engagements:
- India reiterated its commitment to collaborate with Mauritius in regional and international forums such as the Colombo Security Conclave, IORA, and the Indian Ocean Conference.
Historical Connection Between India and Mauritius
- Pre-Independence:
- The first Indians arrived in Mauritius during French colonial rule in the 1700s.
- Under British rule, around 500,000 Indian indentured workers migrated to Mauritius between 1834 and the early 1900s, significantly shaping the island’s demographic.
- Mahatma Gandhi visited Mauritius in 1901, advocating for the education and empowerment of the Indian community.
- Mauritius celebrates its National Day on March 12, honoring Gandhi and the Dandi March.
- Post-Independence:
- India and Mauritius established diplomatic ties in 1948, two decades before Mauritius gained independence in 1968.
- Mauritius’ first Prime Minister, Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, had close ties with Indian leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, and Bose.
Importance of India and Mauritius to Each Other
Importance of Mauritius for India:
- Maritime Significance: Mauritius’s strategic location in the western Indian Ocean is vital for India’s SAGAR initiative.
- Countering China: Strengthening ties with Mauritius helps India secure its maritime interests amid China’s growing presence in the region.
- Economic Relations: Mauritius serves as a gateway for Indian trade and investment in Africa, being part of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
- Cultural Links: With about 70% of its population of Indian origin, Mauritius promotes Indian culture and heritage.
Importance of India for Mauritius:
- Leading Development Partner: India has been a key development partner for Mauritius, providing USD 1.1 billion in the last decade for various infrastructure projects.
- Maritime Security Assistance: India supports Mauritius in protecting its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) through naval patrols and surveillance.
- Disaster Assistance: India has been a first responder in crises, providing aid during cyclones, oil spills, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Capacity Building: Mauritius benefits from India’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, with thousands trained since 2002.
Conclusion
The recent agreements between India and Mauritius have significantly reinforced their strategic partnership, focusing on trade, security, and development. Initiatives like MAHASAGAR and infrastructural support are set to enhance regional cooperation, counter external influences, and strengthen economic ties. Their shared history and cultural bonds make this partnership essential for regional stability and prosperity.