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Old ties, new priorities: On India-Mauritius ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius marks a decade since his last trip and comes at a crucial time in India-Mauritius relations. His meeting with newly elected Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam reaffirmed historical ties while emphasizing new strategic and economic priorities. With over 70% of Mauritians being of Indian descent, the relationship is deeply rooted in cultural bonds. However, the visit focused on contemporary geopolitical and economic imperatives, positioning Mauritius as a key player in India’s Indian Ocean strategy and the Global South.
Strengthening Strategic and Economic Cooperation
During the visit, India and Mauritius upgraded their strategic ties, with a focus on defence cooperation and economic initiatives. Key announcements included:
- Bilateral trade in national currencies to reduce dependency on external financial systems.
- Support for a new Mauritius Parliament building as part of India’s development assistance.
- A ₹487 crore credit facility for improving Mauritius’s water infrastructure.
These initiatives build on past Indian-led projects, such as the Mauritius Metro Rail Project, the New Supreme Court Building, and infrastructure development on Agalega Island, which enhances maritime security.
Geopolitical Implications and the Chagos Archipelago Issue
Mauritius has been seeking to renegotiate its sovereignty agreement with the U.K. over the Chagos Archipelago, home to a U.S. military base in Diego Garcia. While India facilitated previous negotiations under the previous Mauritian government, Mr. Modi has assured full support for the course Mr. Ramgoolam chooses.
At the same time, India is closely monitoring China’s growing influence in Mauritius, which includes a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and $1.1 billion in bilateral trade—double that of India-Mauritius trade ($554 million). With the PLA Navy increasing its presence in the Indian Ocean, Modi’s announcement of the MAHASAGAR doctrine (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) signifies India’s proactive regional approach.
Conclusion
At a time when shifting global alliances and changing U.S. policies are impacting international trade and security, India’s engagement with Mauritius reinforces its commitment to regional stability. By strengthening economic, strategic, and diplomatic ties, the Modi-Ramgoolam partnership ensures that Mauritius remains a trusted partner in India’s evolving Indian Ocean strategy.
Disclaimer:
This analysis is based on the editorial content published in The Hindu and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The views, opinions, and interpretations expressed herein are those of the author of original article. Readers are encouraged to refer to the original article for complete context and to exercise their own judgment while interpreting the analysis. The analysis does not constitute professional advice or endorsement of any political, economic, or social perspective.
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