India-Mauritius Relations

• 15 Mar 2025

For Prelims: Agalega Island, Chagos Archipelago, Colombo Security Conclave, IORA, Indian Ocean Conference, Dandi March, SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program, National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG). 

For Mains: Significance of Mauritius as international partner, India-Mauritius relations. 

Source: HT 

Why in News?

During the Prime Minister (PM) of India's visit to Mauritius, both nations signed multiple agreements on trade, maritime security, and defense, emphasizing regional cooperation and elevating their ties to an enhanced strategic partnership. 

• PM also received the highest national award of Mauritius, the 'Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean.' 

What are the Key Outcomes of India’s PM Visit to Mauritius? 

• Enhanced Strategic Partnership: Both elevated their ties to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, strengthening security, trade in local currencies, and development while reaffirming their commitment to a free and secure Indian Ocean. 
  • Both countries agreed to ratify the protocol amending the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) to align with international treaty standards. 
• ‘Mahasagar’ Vision: India introduced the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiative for the Global South. 
  • The MAHASAGAR vision builds on SAGAR, enhancing engagement with the Global South through technology sharing, concessional loans, grants, trade, and mutual security cooperation. 
• Security Cooperation: India and Mauritius agreed to enhance the use of Agalega Island's new runway and jetty, developed by India.  
  • India also reaffirmed support for Mauritius’s sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. 
  • Cooperation will be strengthened in white shipping, blue economy, and hydrography. 
• Developmental Support: India announced its first-ever rupee-denominated Line of Credit to support Mauritius in replacing its water pipelines. 
  • India will help Mauritius establish a police academy and a maritime information-sharing center.  
  • The Mauritius President inaugurated the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation, a health center, and 20 Indian-funded community projects.  
• New Parliament Building: India will construct a new Parliament building for Mauritius, which India  described as a gift from the “Mother of Democracy”. 
• Multilateral Engagements: India reaffirmed its commitment to working with Mauritius in regional and international forums like the Colombo Security Conclave, IORA, and the Indian Ocean Conference. 

Historical Connection Between India and Mauritius 

• Pre-Independence of India: The first Indians in Mauritius arrived during French colonial rule (1700s) as artisans and masons from Puducherry (Mauritius was once a French colony, before being taken over by the British). 
  • Under British rule, about 500,000 Indian indentured workers migrated between 1834 and the early 1900s, with two-thirds settling in Mauritius. 
  • Mahatma Gandhi visited Mauritius in 1901, advocating education and political empowerment for the Indian community. 
  • As a tribute to Gandhi, Mauritius celebrates its National Day on 12th March, marking the Dandi March. 
• Post-Independence of India: India and Mauritius established diplomatic ties in 1948, two decades before Mauritius gained independence (1968). 
  • Mauritius' first Prime Minister, Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, was closely associated with Indian leaders like Gandhiji, JL Nehru, and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. 

Why are India and Mauritius Important for Each Other? 

Importance of Mauritius for India 

• Maritime Significance: Mauritius' strategic location in the western Indian Ocean makes it a key maritime partner under India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative (now MAHASAGAR). 

• Countering China’s Presence: With China's expanding presence in the Indian Ocean, India's strong ties with Mauritius help safeguard securing Sea lines of communication (SLOC) and India’s strategic interests. 
• Economic Relations: Mauritius is a gateway for India’s trade and investment in Africa, being part of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). 
  • India is one of Mauritius’s largest trading partners, and Mauritius is the 2nd-largest FDI source into India (FY 2023-24) after Singapore. 
• Cultural Links: About 70% of Mauritius population are of Indian origin that help promote Indian culture, language, and heritage.  
  • Mauritius shares strong cultural ties with India, with grand Maha Shivratri celebrations and Ganga Talao as a revered Hindu pilgrimage site. 

Importance of India for Mauritius 

• Leading Development Partner: India has been Mauritius’s key development partner since its independence (1968), providing USD 1.1 billion in the last decade alone. 
  • India has supported Mauritius in implementing key infrastructure projects, including the Metro Express, Supreme Court Building, Hospitals, etc. 
• Maritime Security Assistance: India is Mauritius’s key security partner, supporting EEZ protection through naval patrols, joint maritime surveillance, and hydrographic surveys. 
• Disaster Assistance: India has been Mauritius’s first responder in crises, providing aid during Cyclone Chido (2024), the Wakashio Oil Spill (2020), and the Covid-19 pandemic. 
• Capacity Building: Mauritius is a key beneficiary of India’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, with 4,940 Mauritians trained since 2002.  
  • India also offers customized training to civil servants of Mauritius through National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG).

Click Here to Read: 

• What are the Key Facts Regarding the Chagos Archipelago?  
• What is Agelega Project? 

Conclusion 

India and Mauritius have reinforced their strategic partnership through agreements in trade, security, and development. India’s "Mahasagar" vision and infrastructural support strengthen regional cooperation, counter external influences, and enhance economic ties. Their shared history, cultural bonds, and geopolitical alignment make this partnership crucial for regional stability and prosperity. 

Drishti Mains Question:

How does India’s strategic partnership with Mauritius contribute to its maritime security and regional influence in the Indian Ocean?

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims

Q. With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, consider the following statements:  (2015) 

1. It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills.
2. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only.

Which of the statements given above is/ are correct? 

(a) 1 only 

(b) 2 only 

(c) Both 1 and 2 

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 

Ans: (d)

Q. A great deal of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to India comes from Mauritius than from many major and mature economies like UK and France. Why? (2010)

(a) India has preference for certain countries as regards receiving FDI 

(b) India has double taxation avoidance agreement with Mauritius 

(c) Most citizens of Mauritius have ethnic identity with India and so they feel secure to invest in India 

(d) Impending dangers of global climatic change prompt Mauritius to make huge investments in India. 

Ans: (b)

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Mains 

Q. Why indentured labour was taken by British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there? (2018)