Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Mauritius from March 11 to 12, where he will be the Chief Guest at the island nation’s National Day celebrations on March 12. This visit, holds significant diplomatic and strategic importance, and aims to bolster the already strong relationship between the two countries. The visit comes at a time when both sides are expected to discuss several critical issues, including the impact of US tariffs on global trade, alongside deepening of cooperation in defence, trade, capacity building, and maritime security.
Key Agreements
During his state visit, Prime Minister Modi and his Mauritian counterpart, Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, will hold extensive discussions and sign several critical Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in key areas of mutual interest. These agreements will focus on expanding bilateral trade, strengthening capacity building, addressing cross-border financial crimes, and promoting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in both countries.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, while briefing the media ahead of the visit, stressed that the signing of these agreements would pave the way for a deeper and more comprehensive engagement between the two nations in the years ahead.
According to Misri, a central pillar of this engagement is the enhancement of maritime security. Both India and Mauritius recognize the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean region, and discussions are expected to address the growing challenges in this domain. Responding to a question, Misri revealed that a key MoU will focus on sharing white-shipping information between the Indian Navy and the Mauritius authorities, which will significantly improve the safety of Mauritius’ maritime trade routes. The technical agreement will not only involve the Indian Navy but also the Mauritius police force, ensuring that both countries can work together in combating illegal activities at sea, including piracy and smuggling.
Moreover, an allied MoU between the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) and Mauritius’ Ministry of Earth Sciences will establish a framework for closer cooperation in ocean observation and research. This partnership aims to enhance maritime zone management in Mauritius, improve oceanic data collection, and provide advanced training in ocean modelling and remote sensing technologies.
Defence Cooperation
As reported previously in FinancialExpress.com, India has been a committed partner in strengthening Mauritius’ defence and maritime security capabilities. Over the years, India has provided Mauritius with various defence assets, including Coast Guard ships and fast interceptor craft. In addition to this, India has extended soft loans to help Mauritius procure more advanced defence platforms.
The visit will also see the exchange of further agreements in defence cooperation. Misri stated that India would be open to examining any additional defence needs that Mauritius might express. This level of collaboration reflects the growing strategic partnership between the two nations, built on shared maritime security concerns and mutual interests in regional stability.
Development Assistance
Prime Minister Modi’s visit will also feature the inauguration of key infrastructure projects that have been funded by India. Among these is the Civil Service College, a landmark project that will help strengthen Mauritius’ administrative capabilities. Additionally, the Area Health Centre, built with India’s assistance, will improve healthcare access for the island’s citizens. These initiatives underscore India’s role in supporting Mauritius’ development across various sectors.
India has been a trusted development partner for Mauritius, contributing nearly $1.1 billion in development assistance during this period.
Trade between India and Mauritius has also experienced a significant boost. In the financial year 2022-2023, Indian exports to Mauritius totalled $ 462 million, while Mauritius’ exports to India amounted to $ 91.5 million. The total bilateral trade volume reached $ 554 million, representing a remarkable 132% growth in trade since 2005. The two countries have increasingly aligned their economic interests, and this visit aims to further solidify their economic ties.
Indian Ocean Region
Mauritius occupies a strategic location in the Indian Ocean, and its close maritime ties with India form a cornerstone of India’s regional security strategy. This is encapsulated in India’s Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), which highlights the importance of regional cooperation and stability. Misri reiterated that the visit is an important step in reaffirming this vision, with both countries committed to ensuring peace and security in the region.
A key feature of Prime Minister Modi’s participation in the National Day celebrations will be a display of India’s defence cooperation with Mauritius. A contingent of Indian defence forces will participate in the celebrations, accompanied by a ship from the Indian Navy.