India and Mauritius Strengthen Civilizational Ties and Maritime Security During PM Modi's Historic Visit
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Synopsis
During Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit to Mauritius, the already strong India-Mauritius relationship is expected to deepen through enhanced cooperation in various sectors, particularly in maritime security, development, and trade.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi's two-day visit aims to enhance India-Mauritius ties.
- Focus on maritime security and regional cooperation.
- Signing of various MoUs for capacity building and development.
- Joint participation in National Day celebrations.
- Continued high-level engagement between both nations.
New Delhi, March 10 (NationPress) The distinct and significant India-Mauritius partnership, which has experienced substantial growth over the past decade, is poised for further enhancement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day official visit to Port Louis, commencing this Tuesday.
PM Modi is scheduled to arrive in the capital of Mauritius early on Tuesday at the invitation of Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam to serve as the Chief Guest during the country's National Day festivities on Wednesday.
An Indian defense forces contingent, along with a vessel from the Indian Navy, will partake in the celebrations.
This marks PM Modi's first trip to Mauritius since 2015, when he unveiled India's Vision SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region - which continues to shape New Delhi's approach towards its neighborhood and beyond while reinforcing historical and civilizational bonds.
"We aspire for a future in the Indian Ocean that embodies the essence of SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region. We should draw inspiration from the Monsoon, which nurtures and unites us throughout the region. We shall endeavor to collaborate and unite our region as we were once connected by geography. An ocean that links our world should evolve into a route of peace and prosperity for all," PM Modi stated during the commissioning of the Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Barracuda in Mauritius on March 12, 2015.
"It's no coincidence that I mention our aspirations for the Indian Ocean Region in Mauritius. Our collaboration with Mauritius stands as one of our most formidable maritime relationships globally. Our partnership will expand. Together, we will build our capabilities and jointly patrol the seas," PM Modi remarked during that historic visit.
PM Modi's upcoming trip is anticipated to further solidify robust collaborations across various sectors, enhancing bilateral cooperation in development partnerships, capacity building, maritime safety and security, health, small and medium enterprises, and strengthening existing people-to-people connections.
With maritime security cooperation elevated to new heights since then, it is fitting that an Indian Naval Ship is making a port call at Port Louis to mark the occasion on Wednesday. A marching unit from the Indian Navy, an Indian Navy helicopter, the Akash Ganga Skydiving Team from the Indian Air Force, and a team of NCC cadets will also participate in the National Day celebrations this year.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has already indicated that both nations will formalize a technical agreement for sharing white-shipping information between the Indian Navy and Mauritius authorities, thereby enhancing the maritime security of Mauritius, safeguarding its trading routes, and fostering regional cooperation in real-time data sharing. This initiative also aims to enable collaboration in preventing unlawful activities and improving Mauritius' maritime domain awareness.
"This will involve not only the Indian Navy but also the Mauritius police force as part of efforts to combat such activities. An allied MoU will also be signed between the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) and the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Prime Minister's Office from the Mauritius side, establishing a comprehensive framework for cooperation in ocean observation, research, information management, and enhancing maritime zone management in Mauritius," Misri mentioned last week.
The Foreign Secretary also stated that following the provision of the OPV Barracuda, the Coast Guard Ship Victory, and various fast interceptor crafts to Mauritius, New Delhi is open to reviewing additional proposals if deemed necessary.
India has historically acted as the first responder for Mauritius in times of crisis, including during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Wakashio oil spill, and Cyclone Chido, and remains one of the largest trading partners for the Indian Ocean nation.
The strong ties can be observed in numerous India-assisted development initiatives that adorn the Mauritian landscape. In 2016, India allocated a grant of USD 353 million to Mauritius as a 'Special Economic Package' for five priority projects. This was succeeded by a USD 500 million Line of Credit from New Delhi in 2017 to finance ten projects. An agreement for Community Development Projects followed in January 2022 to execute 96 small, community-oriented projects across Mauritius, of which 51 have already been inaugurated.
Several additional Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will also be signed during PM Modi's visit, starting on Tuesday.
"Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Ramgoolam will jointly inaugurate several projects that have been implemented with Indian support and will also witness the signing of several MOUs related to capacity building, bilateral trade, combating cross-border financial crimes, and promoting small and medium enterprises," Foreign Secretary Misri stated.
High-level engagement remains a consistent feature of the India-Mauritius bilateral partnership. While President Droupadi Murmu served as the Chief Guest for Mauritius' National Day in 2024, Mauritius has participated in the swearing-in ceremonies of PM Modi in 2014, 2019, and 2024.
Mauritius was also a 'special invitee' for the G20 Summit in 2023 and co-launched the Global Biofuels Alliance with India and other nations during its proceedings.
"Over the last decade, the relationship has notably deepened, forming a crucial pillar of our Vision SAGAR. Following the elections held in November 2024, a new government led by Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam has assumed office. Prime Minister Modi was the first global leader to congratulate him on his electoral success," Misri concluded.
