India and Mauritius relation evolving from a friendship to an "Enhanced Strategic Partnership." Key pillars include maritime security cooperation, developmental assistance, and economic relationship. This people-first diplomacy model serves as a stability and prosperity pillar in the Indian Ocean Region.
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Picture Courtesy: NEWSONAIR
The Prime Minister of Mauritius, is on an eight-day state visit to India, to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Colonial Era (Pre-1947)
From 1834 to 1920, about half a million Indian indentured laborers, mainly from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, settled in Mauritius. Mauritius marks November 2 as Aapravasi Diwas to commemorate their arrival.
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Girmitiyas were indentured Indian laborers who were sent to British, French, and Dutch colonies between the 19th and early 20th centuries under the indentured labor system. |
Post-Independence
India established diplomatic ties in 1948, supporting Mauritius’ independence movement and its claim over the Chagos Archipelago.
The 1983 Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) boosted Mauritius as an FDI hub for India.
India aided Mauritius’ IT, satellite, and maritime security development, including patrol boats and the National Coast Guard Headquarters. The 2016 DTAA amendment curbed tax evasion.
Developments (2021-Present)
The 2021 Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA), India’s first trade pact with an African nation, enhanced trade.
In 2022, ISRO helped launch Mauritius’ first satellite, and 2024 saw UPI and RuPay card integration.
In 2025, the two nations elevated their relationship to an "Enhanced Strategic Partnership".
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Hub: Contributes $ 177 billion in FDI to India since 2000, with $7.97 billion in FY 2023-24, second only to Singapore. (Ministry of External Affairs)
Africa Gateway: Mauritius serves as a strategic "Africa Gateway" for Indian businesses to access African markets, leveraging the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
Regional Role: Key to India’s Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) leadership and Indo-Pacific strategy.
Maritime Security: Central to India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative and Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region).
Countering China: Strengthens India’s position against China’s IOR influence through joint initiatives like Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).
Colombo Security Conclave: Mauritius collaborates in the Colombo Security Conclave with India, addressing shared regional security concerns like maritime security, counter-terrorism, and disaster management.
Cultural Ties: 70% Indian-origin population celebrates shared festivals like Divali.
Diaspora Engagement: Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) privileges up to 7th generation boost ties.
Neighbourhood First Policy: Mauritius is a key maritime neighbor, prioritized in India’s regional diplomacy.
Vision MAHASAGAR: India promotes holistic security and growth in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), with Mauritius as a vital partner.
Global South Advocacy: India positions Mauritius as a key ally in promoting development among developing nations.
Security Provider: India strengthens Mauritius’ maritime security through patrols and surveillance to ensure IOR stability.
Development Partnership: India focuses on mutual growth via infrastructure, digital transformation, and healthcare projects.
Cultural Preservation: India nurtures cultural ties through institutions like the Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture (IGCIC) and Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI).
Economic Cooperation
Trade: Bilateral trade reached $ 851.13 million in FY 2023-24, with India’s exports at $778.03 million (petroleum, pharmaceuticals) and Mauritius’ at $73.10 million (vanilla, medical devices). (Ministry of External Affairs)
Financial Hub: Mauritius supports Indian businesses via UPI and RuPay services launched in 2024.
Infrastructure and Development
Grants: India provided $353 million in 2016 for projects like Metro Express and Supreme Court Building.
Line of Credit: A $ 500 million Line of Credit (LOC) in 2017 funded solar plants and housing.
Key Projects: Include Jan Aushadhi Kendra (2024) and Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital.
Military and Security
Maritime Security: India supplies patrol vessels (e.g., CGS Barracuda) and leases aircraft for EEZ patrolling. Joint exercises like VARUNA strengthen ties.
Surveillance: Agaléga Island facilities and INS Sarvekshak’s surveys enhance IOR security.
Humanitarian Assistance
COVID-19: India supplied 100,000 Covishield vaccines in 2021.
Disaster Response: India aided the 2020 Wakashio oil spill and 2024 Cyclone Chido with equipment and relief.
Declining FDI: The 2016 DTAA amendment reduced Mauritius’ appeal as an FDI hub, with inflows dropping from $15.72 billion (2016-17) to $6.13 billion (2022-23).
Trade Imbalance: India’s exports ($778.03 million) far exceed Mauritius’ ($ 73.10 million) in FY 2023-24, limiting mutual economic benefits.
China’s Influence: China’s infrastructure projects and loans challenge India’s IOR dominance and raise debt concerns for Mauritius.
Security Threats: Mauritius’ role as a drug trafficking hub and illegal fishing in the IOR threaten India’s maritime security.
Project Delays: Bureaucratic hurdles delayed projects like Metro Express, impacting trust.
Enhance Maritime Security: Strengthen coastal radar networks, joint naval drills (e.g., MILAN), and real-time intelligence via IFC-IOR. Expand the Colombo Security Conclave to include more IOR nations.
Boost Economic Ties: Revise DTAA with clear guidelines to restore FDI. Expand CECPA to include fintech and renewables. Leverage Mauritius’ ties for African market access.
Deepen Cultural Engagement: Scale up Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI) and World Hindi Secretariat activities. Host diaspora summits like Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to engage Mauritian youth.
Counter China: Increase grants, tech partnerships, and soft power initiatives to outpace China’s IOR influence.
Streamline Projects: Form joint task forces to ensure timely execution of infrastructure projects like Metro Express.
Long-Term Vision: Develop a roadmap for a “New India-Mauritius Partnership,” integrating models like India-Singapore Smart City collaboration.
Proactive economic and security measures, paired with cultural engagement, will strengthen ties and counter external challenges.
Source: NEWSONAIR
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. India's 'Neighborhood First' policy and SAGAR vision find a strong anchor in its relations with Mauritius." Critically analyze. 250 words |
Between 1834–1920, nearly half a million Indian indentured laborers migrated to Mauritius, shaping its demographics.
Mauritius acts as a gateway to Africa, especially Francophone markets, due to its bilingual population and financial hub status.
In FY 2023-24, bilateral trade was $851.13 mn, with India’s exports at $778.03 mn and Mauritius’ at $73.10 mn.
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