India-Mauritius Relations: A Comprehensive Overview

Why in news?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’ will visit Mauritius on March 11-12, 2025. It will be a celebration of the deep and long-standing ties between the two countries.

Introduction

• India and Mauritius share a deep-rooted relationship based on historical, cultural, economic, and strategic ties.
• This special bond is further strengthened by the presence of a large Indian diaspora in Mauritius, accounting for nearly 70% of its population.
• India was among the first nations to establish diplomatic relations with Mauritius in 1948, even before its independence in 1968.

Historical Ties

• The relationship dates back to the early 19th century, when Indian indentured laborers were brought to Mauritius under British rule.
• Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, commemorates the arrival of Indian immigrants.
• Mahatma Gandhi visited Mauritius in 1901, advocating education and self-reliance.
• Since independence, Mauritius has consistently supported India at international platforms, further deepening diplomatic relations.

Political and Diplomatic Cooperation

• Regular high-level visits reinforce the strong bilateral relationship.
• Mauritius supports India’s candidature at the UN and other global organizations.
• India actively advocates for Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago dispute with the UK.
• The two nations collaborate on global issues like climate change, maritime security, and trade.

Economic and Trade Relations

• Mauritius is one of India’s largest sources of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
• Cumulative FDI from Mauritius to India has exceeded USD 175 billion since 2000 (25% of total FDI inflows).
• Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) facilitated major investment flows.
• The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) was signed in 2021, marking India’s first trade pact with an African nation.
• Key trade sectors: Textiles, pharmaceuticals, machinery, food products, and IT services.

Development Partnership

• India has financed multiple infrastructure projects, including:
  • Metro Express Project
  • Supreme Court Building
  • Social Housing Project
• Grants and concessional loans are provided for various economic and social development programs.

Maritime Security and Defence Cooperation

• Mauritius plays a crucial role in India’s Indian Ocean security strategy.
• India has supplied patrol vessels, surveillance aircraft, and military training to the Mauritius Coast Guard.
• Joint naval exercises (e.g., Exercise Varuna) bolster maritime security.
• India acted as the First Responder during the Wakashio oil spill crisis and COVID-19 pandemic.

Cultural and People-to-People Ties

• Mauritius celebrates major Indian festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Durga Puja.
• The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) promotes cultural exchanges.
• The World Hindi Secretariat in Mauritius advances Hindi language promotion globally.
• Bollywood films frequently showcase Mauritius as a scenic location, enhancing tourism.

Education and Capacity Building

• India provides scholarships and training programs for Mauritian students.
• The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program trains Mauritian professionals.
• Academic collaborations between Indian and Mauritian universities promote research and skill development.

Tourism and Connectivity

• Mauritius is a popular tourist destination for Indian travelers.
• Direct flights connect major Indian cities to Mauritius, boosting tourism.
• Mauritius attracts Bollywood film shoots, further enhancing bilateral tourism appeal.

Science, Technology, and Space Cooperation

• ISRO collaborates with Mauritius in space research and satellite applications.
• India provides support for meteorological services and disaster management.
• Mauritius benefits from India's advancements in IT and digital transformation.

India’s Humanitarian Assistance to Mauritius

India has extended timely humanitarian aid to Mauritius in times of crisis:

• COVID-19 Pandemic: Vaccine Maitri initiative provided vaccines and medical aid.
• Wakashio Oil Spill (2020): India sent emergency response teams and environmental mitigation equipment.
• Cyclone Relief and Disaster Support: India actively helps in disaster recovery efforts.

Significance of PM Modi’s Visit to Mauritius

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Mauritius on March 11-12, 2025, marking his return after his 2015 visit.
• The visit coincides with Mauritius’ National Day celebrations, featuring Indian Air Force contingents and a naval ship.
• Several agreements are expected to be signed, enhancing economic and strategic cooperation.
• The visit underscores India’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic, security, and trade ties with Mauritius.

Challenges in India-Mauritius Relations

• Revisions in DTAA have impacted investment flows.
• Transparency concerns regarding Mauritius’ past reputation as a tax haven.
• The Chagos Archipelago dispute remains a complex geopolitical issue.
• Need for trade diversification beyond financial services.

Future Prospects

• Expanding maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Enhancing bilateral trade and investment in emerging sectors such as fintech, AI, and renewable energy.
• Strengthening academic collaborations and student exchange programs.
• Increased cooperation in climate change, green energy, and sustainable development.

Conclusion

• India-Mauritius relations remain strong, multifaceted, and deeply rooted in history. As a key partner in the Indian Ocean Region, Mauritius continues to benefit from India’s economic, strategic, and diplomatic support.
• The two nations serve as a model for South-South cooperation, ensuring mutual prosperity through shared values and development initiatives.