PM Modi’s Visit to Mauritius

Introduction
 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius on March 11-12, 2025, marked a significant milestone in bilateral relations between India and Mauritius. As the Chief Guest at Mauritius' National Day celebrations, PM Modi reinforced India’s commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with this key Indian Ocean nation. The visit focused on maritime security, economic cooperation, trade, infrastructure development, and cultural engagement.
 

Key Highlights of the Visit
 

During his visit, PM Modi participated in a series of diplomatic, strategic, and cultural engagements, strengthening the historical bonds between India and Mauritius.
 

1. Enhanced Strategic Partnership
 

• India and Mauritius elevated their ties to an "Enhanced Strategic Partnership," covering security, trade, and development cooperation.
• India reaffirmed its strong support for Mauritius' sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, a key diplomatic priority.
   

2. Infrastructure and Development Initiatives
 

• Inauguration of India-funded projects, including:​
  • Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation – Established to enhance administrative training and governance efficiency.
  • Area Health Centre – Aimed at improving healthcare accessibility.​
  • Over 20 community development projects focusing on education, skill development, and local infrastructure.​
• Announcement of support for constructing a new parliamentary complex in Mauritius, symbolizing deepening ties in governance and architecture.
   

3. Diplomatic Engagements and Recognition
 

• PM Modi was conferred with Mauritius' highest civilian honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean. ​
• Engaged with the Indian diaspora, emphasizing shared historical and cultural connections.
   

4. Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) Signed
 

Eight Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were signed, including:

• Local Currency Settlement: Facilitates trade in local currencies.
• Water Pipeline Credit Facility: Funds for replacing water pipelines in Mauritius.
• Diplomat Training: Joint training program for diplomats.
• White Shipping Information Exchange: Enhances maritime security through information sharing.
• Financial Crimes Cooperation: Combats financial crimes through joint efforts.
• MSME Support: Collaboration to support small and medium enterprises.
• Public Service Training: Enhances governance efficiency through training.
• Ocean Information Services Cooperation: Promotes oceanic research and data sharing.
   

India-Mauritius Relations:
 

• Historical and cultural connections dating back to 1948.
• Over 68% of Mauritius' population is of Indian origin.
• India is one of Mauritius' largest trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching $851.13 million in FY 2023-24,with Indian exports reaching $778.03 million and Mauritian exports to India standing at $73.10 million
• Mauritius has been a significant source of FDI into India. For instance, in FY 2024, the FDI inflow from Mauritius to India was projected to be about $8 billion.
• Mauritius serves as India's gateway to Africa under the AfCFTA and is pivotal in India's SAGAR and MAHASAGAR initiatives.
   

Strategic Importance of India-Mauritius Relations
 

Area of Importance	Importance for India	Importance for Mauritius
Maritime Security	Strategic location for surveillance, significant infrastructure investment on Agalega Island ($192 million).	Enhanced security capabilities, protection of EEZ, support in maritime defense.
Economic Gateway	Access point for India's trade/investment in Africa (AfCFTA).	Economic development through Indian investments and trade agreements (CECPA).
Cultural & People Ties	Deep diaspora engagement; facilitates cultural exchange programs (Char Dham Yatra, Ramayana Trail).	Enrichment of cultural heritage, strengthened identity, and historical bonds with India.

 

MAHASAGAR Vision:
 

PM Modi announced the MAHASAGAR Vision, an initiative aimed at expanding India's engagement with the Global South and the Indian Ocean Region.
 

Objectives of the MAHASAGAR Vision
 

• Trade for Development – Promote sustainable economic partnerships and ensure inclusive growth.
• Capacity Building for Sustainable Growth – Offer technical expertise, concessional loans, and financial assistance.
• Mutual Security for a Shared Future – Strengthen maritime security, counter piracy, and safeguard trade routes.
   

SAGAR vs. MAHASAGAR
 

	SAGAR (2015)	MAHASAGAR (2025)
Primary Focus	Maritime security and economic growth in the Indian Ocean	Global South and broader regional security framework
Key Areas	Trade, maritime security, infrastructure development	Economic, security, and technology-driven cooperation
Geographical Scope	Indian Ocean Region (IOR)	Indian Ocean + Global South Expansion

 

 

The MAHASAGAR Vision builds upon SAGAR, incorporating a broader spectrum of economic, trade, and security partnerships.
 

Key Issues in India-Mauritius Relations
 

Despite strong relations, several challenges require attention:
 

1. Geopolitical Competition and China's Influence
   • China’s growing presence in Mauritius is reshaping the regional balance.
   • India-Mauritius trade stands at $1.1 billion, while China's economic engagement is increasing.
      
2. Maritime Security Challenges
   • Piracy, terrorism, and foreign naval activities pose security risks.
   • India has invested $192 million in Agalega Island infrastructure to enhance surveillance.
      
3. Economic Dependence and Trade Barriers
   • Mauritius relies heavily on India’s financial aid, with $1.1 billion in development assistance over the last decade.
   • Trade growth remains limited despite CECPA, requiring expansion into new sectors.
      
4. Chagos Archipelago Dispute
   • Affects regional stability and India’s diplomatic balancing with the UK and US.
   • India has formally backed Mauritius’ sovereignty claim.
      
5. Infrastructure Development Challenges
   • India-funded projects like Metro Express face bureaucratic delays.
      

Way Forward:
 

To overcome these challenges and further enhance bilateral cooperation, the following strategic actions are recommended:
 

1. Strengthen Maritime Security

• Increase joint naval exercises and intelligence-sharing to enhance regional security.
• Integrate Agalega Island into regional security frameworks, such as the Colombo Security Conclave.
   

2. Expand Economic Partnerships

• Broaden CECPA coverage to include services, fintech, and digital trade.
• Utilize Mauritius' access to SADC, COMESA, and AfCFTA agreements to boost trade with African nations.
   

3. Address Climate Risks

• Establish joint initiatives on climate resilience, particularly in coastal protection, marine ecosystem conservation, and green energy projects.
• Encourage Indian investments in renewable energy infrastructure in Mauritius.
   

4. Diversify Strategic Partnerships

• Encourage Mauritius to diversify its economic engagements while maintaining a strong partnership with India.
• Promote Indian private sector investment in Mauritius, particularly in technology, healthcare, and financial services.
   

Conclusion
 

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit significantly strengthened India-Mauritius relations, reinforcing cooperation across strategic, economic, and cultural dimensions, and formalizing the Enhanced Strategic Partnership to deepen mutual development and security interests.
• The launch of the MAHASAGAR Vision emphasizes India's long-term commitment to regional stability and prosperity, positioning Mauritius as an essential partner for achieving India's strategic goals in the Indian Ocean and the Global South.