Context: 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.
Relevance of the Topic: Mains: India-Mauritius bilateral relations and partnership.
Introduction:
- India and Mauritius share a long-standing and multifaceted relationship, deeply rooted in history, culture, economic ties, and strategic interests.
- The new government in Mauritius is led by Navinchandra Ramgoolam of the Labour Party. The visit of the Indian PM provides an opportunity to reaffirm India’s commitment to the security and prosperity of the island nation.
| Importance of Mauritius for India | Importance of India for Mauritius |
1. Strategic Location in the Indian Ocean: - Mauritius' strategic location in the Indian Ocean, makes it a vital partner for India's maritime strategy and Vision SAGAR. - The island nation plays a crucial role in India's Ocean Diplomacy, enhancing its influence in the Indian Ocean. 2. Cultural and Historical Ties: - Over 68% of Mauritius' population is of Indian origin fostering strong cultural affinities and historical ties. - These ties facilitate cooperation in various sectors, including education, culture, and community development projects. 3. Economic Benefits: - Mauritius is an important trading partner for India. - Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) enhances trade relations and provides preferential market access for both countries. 4. Security Cooperation: - Mauritius supports India's stance against terrorism and piracy, contributing to regional security in the Indian Ocean. - India has historically played a role in Mauritius' security, including military interventions like Operation Lal Dora in 1983. | 1. Economic Support and Investment: - India is one of Mauritius' largest trading partners and a significant source of foreign investment. - India's development assistance, including funding for community projects, supports Mauritius' infrastructure and social development. 2. Strategic Partnerships: - India's strategic assistance enhances Mauritius' maritime security, defence capabilities and reinforces its sovereignty claims. - India supports Mauritius' claims over the Chagos Archipelago, aligning with its stance on decolonisation and regional stability.  |
Historical and Cultural Ties
- Mauritius has a significant Indian-origin population, with nearly 70% tracing their ancestry to India, particularly from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. These historical ties date back to the colonial period when Indian indentured labourers were brought to work on sugar plantations.
- Sir Seewosagur Ramgoolam, the father of the current Prime Minister, played a pivotal role in the country’s independence movement and shared a historical connection with India. He worked closely with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in Britain (1919-21) and assisted in the publication of Bose’s book, The Indian Struggle.
- India has played a significant role in 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 have been instrumental in promoting Indian languages and traditions.
- Additionally, Mauritius is home to the World Hindi Secretariat, supported by India.
Economic and Trade Relations:
- Bilateral trade between India and Mauritius has seen steady growth, reaching $554 million in 2022-23.
- Mauritius serves as a crucial gateway for India’s economic engagement with Africa due to its membership in the African Union and preferential trade agreements with African nations.
- Mauritius is also an important financial partner for India, largely due to the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).
- The DTAA has made Mauritius a major channel for foreign investments into India, positioning it as a successful international financial centre.
- This financial partnership has been mutually beneficial, fostering investment and economic collaboration.
Strategic and Maritime Security Cooperation:
- Mauritius plays a pivotal role in India’s maritime security strategy, particularly in the western Indian Ocean.
- As a key member of the Colombo Security Conclave, alongside India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Bangladesh, Mauritius contributes to regional maritime security.
- India has significantly strengthened Mauritius’ maritime capabilities by:
- Establishing a chain of coastal radar stations.
- Redeveloping the Mauritian island of Agaléga as a joint surveillance facility.
- Granting Mauritius access to India’s Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram.
- Conducting oceanographic surveys through Indian naval assets such as INS Sarvekshak.
- With China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean, India’s strategic partnership with Mauritius has assumed even greater importance.
- Both China and India are competing for influence in Mauritius. While India provides security support, China offers economic and investment opportunities.
Regardless of the political leadership in either country, India-Mauritius relations have remained stable and positive. With the recent election of Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, India has an opportunity to reinforce its strategic and diplomatic ties. As India seeks to expand its influence in the Indian Ocean and Africa, Mauritius remains a key ally.