Introduction
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius highlights the deep and multifaceted ties between the two countries While Mauritius is a small island country in the Indian Ocean, its especial to India is Way bigger than its size suggests. The relationship between the two countries is built on historical, cultural, economic, and strategic underpinnings of have strengthened over the years
This trip solidifies India’s commitment to its ‘neighborhood first’ and ‘Indian Ocean diplomacy’ philosophies. So why does Mauritius occupy a special place in India’s love? Let’s look into the historical, economic, geopolitical, and strategic imperatives of this special friendship.
- Historical and Cultural Bonds
Common Colonial Heritage and Indian Diaspora
Mauritius and India share deep Traditions, mostly through the Indian diaspora. During British colonial rule, thousands of Indian Indentured servants were brought to Mauritius in the 19th century to work on sugarcane plantations. Today, nearly 70% of Mauritius’ population is of Indian origin, primarily of Bhojpuri and Tamil descent.
This cultural affinity is shown in terms of the languages used (Hindi, Bhojpuri, Tamil, and other Indian languages), religious customs, festivities, and even food. The Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin) in Mauritius, a holy lake, is judged to be on par with the Ganges by most Hindus in Mauritius.
India has continuously been at the forefront in keeping and developing these links through encouraging social relations and providing financial aid to Mauritian students, and promoting people-to-people relations.
- Economic and Trade Relations
Mauritius: A Gateway for Indian Investments
Mauritius has been a valued economic partner of India for many years. It is a prominent offshore economic hub due to of its benign tax system. Until recently, when the tax treaties were modified, Mauritius was the largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India, like entities would channel investments through Mauritius to avail of tax benefits.
Though India-Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) has been amended in 2016 to curb evasion of tax, the island country continues to continue being a key economic and commercial partner.
Trade and Connectivity
India exports a broad variety of goods to Mauritius, like petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and food products. Mauritius ships products like sugar and fish to India in return. The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) inked in 2021 further increased the level of trade between the two countries, granting preferential access to a number of goods and services.
Tourism and Remittances
India further a prime source of guests to Mauritius, and Indian students and professionals visit India in large numbers for education and employment. India was further giving economic support plus concessional loans to Mauritius for different developmental projects, solidifying economic cooperation.
- Geopolitical and Strategic Significance
Indian Ocean Security and Maritime Cooperation
Mauritius occupies a strategic position in the Indian Ocean, a location that is crucial for global trade and security. As India seeks to strengthen its influence in the location and counter China’s growing presence, Mauritius plays a critical role.
India and Mauritius have close defense relations, with India sending military training, surveillance aircraft, and patrol boats to support Mauritius’ maritime security. The two country’s involvement in India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) program, which seeks to maintain a safe and stable Indian Ocean.
Naval Base at Agaléga Island
One of the most important India-Mauritius Military advancements are India’s construction of military infrastructure on Agaléga Island, a distant Mauritian outpost. India is constructing a naval place plus airstrip there, which will increase surveillance and monitoring of Chinese operations in the Indian Ocean. The project reinforces India’s maritime superiority in the location while serving Mauritius’ security interests.
- Political and Diplomatic Ties
A Trusted Ally in International Forums
Mauritius has always stood by India in international forums, like U.N., democracy, & African Union. The two Communities work together on matters like climate change, sustainable development, and global security.
Mauritius further supported India’s application for a permanent seat in the United countries Security Council (UNSC), showing its diplomatic support for India at the international level.
India’s Role in Mauritius’ Development
India has been at the heart of Mauritius’ infrastructure development. Among the prominent projects financed by India are:
Metro Express Project: a modernized trains system in Mauritius, financed by developing local links with India.
Social Housing Projects: India has extended financial support to build cheap housing units in Mauritius.
Healthcare and Education Assistance: India routinely provides medical aid, including COVID-19 vaccines, and provides funding to Mauritian students.
Such efforts strengthen the strong political and economic relationship between the two countries.
- Counterbalancing China’s Influence
China has been increasing its presence in the Indian Ocean by extending its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and investments in African and island states. Due to Mauritius’ strategic position, China was further interested in increased economic and military influence in the location.
India’s robust footprint in Mauritius operate in a counterweight to China’s growing influence. Deepening economic, defense, and diplomatic relations with Mauritius promises that India maintains its position in regional geopolitics.
- Future Prospects: Strengthening the India-Mauritius Partnership
Enhancing Economic Cooperation
With CECPA, India and Mauritius now have new opportunities for trade and investment expansion. Areas like IT, pharmaceuticals, clean energy, and tourism hold tremendous prospects for increased cooperation.
Strengthening Defense and Maritime Security
As security challenges in the Indian Ocean rise, India and Mauritius will probably make it stronger their defense ties. The camp Agaléga is only become that much more important for India’s regional security strategy.
Sustainability and Climate Action
Mauritius is a small island country with the most vulnerable to climate change and sea-level rise. India can contribute more to transferring technology & skills to sustainable development, disaster management, and renewable energy initiatives in Mauritius.