Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Mauritius on March 11-12, 2025, at the invitation of Prime Minister of Mauritius Navin Ramgoolam. He was the Chief Guest for Mauritius National Day celebrations on March 12. Interestingly, the national day is celebrated as a homage to Mahatma Gandhi who visited Mauritius in 1901 and steered the destiny of Indian labourers with his three transformative messages – the importance of education, political empowerment and staying connected with India. March 12 in India is also the date when Mahatma Gandhi started his salt march.
The foundation of Vision SAGAR, which stands for “Security and Growth for All in the Region” was laid in Mauritius, ten years ago by PM Modi. He advanced this vision by prioritising the Global South through Vision MAHASAGAR – Mutual And Holistic Advancement for Security And Growth Across Regions. This vision is more comprehensive, connecting different regions with a focus on trade for development, maritime security and initiatives related to capacity building for sustainable growth.
The strategic relationship between India and Mauritius, anchored in historical ties and cultural affinities, has evolved into a crucial partnership, particularly in the Indian Ocean’s dynamic geopolitical landscape. This research commentary delves into the key pillars of this relationship – defence, maritime security, blue economy, and technological cooperation.
PM Modi advanced the SAGAR vision to MAHASAGAR – Mutual And Holistic Advancement for Security And Growth Across Regions – by prioritising the Global South, making it more comprehensive with a focus on trade development, maritime security and capacity-building initiatives for sustainable growth
Defence and Maritime Security: A Shared Ocean Space
Strategic Significance: Mauritius, strategically located in the western Indian Ocean, is immensely significant for India’s maritime security interests. India’s commitment to supporting Mauritius’s defence capabilities underscores the shared recognition of the need for a secure and stable Indian Ocean region.
The visit is significant in terms of the larger geopolitical undercurrents in the region. In October 2024, the UK agreed to transfer the sovereignty of the Chagos archipelago to Mauritius, on the condition of letting the US and the UK retain the military base on the atoll of Diego Garcia. India fully respects Mauritius’s sovereignty over the Chagos and extends cooperation through strategic forums such as the Colombo Security Conclave, the Indian Ocean Rim Association, and the Indian Ocean Conference.
Defence Cooperation: India has been a reliable partner in bolstering Mauritius’s defence infrastructure, providing patrol vessels, aircraft, and other defence equipment. Joint maritime exercises and capacity-building programmes strengthen interoperability and enhance maritime domain awareness. The development of infrastructure on Mauritian outer islands, with Indian assistance, is crucial for monitoring and safeguarding the vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
In 2017, India transferred to Mauritius an Interceptor Boat C-139, along with onboard equipment, which India leased to the Mauritius National Coast Guard since 1993. In 2022, Mauritius also joined the Colombo Security Conclave, established by India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives in 2020 to enhance regional maritime security cooperation.
India as the first responder: In the wake of a massive oil spill following the grounding of the Japanese vessel Wakashio off the Mauritian coast on July 25, 2020, India was the first responder. An IAF aircraft brought 30 tonnes of technical equipment, and a 10-member Technical Response Team on August 16, 2020. INS Nireekshak joined the Mauritian National Coast Guard in salvaging the sunk Mauritian Tug ‘Sir Gaetan Duval’, following an accidental collision during the Wakashio salvage operations.
During the visit, the Indian Navy signed a technical cooperation agreement on information exchange related to white shipping. It includes real-time data sharing that would help enhance maritime security and ensure the safety of Mauritius’ trading corridors. Further, an armed forces contingent from India participated in the National Day celebrations along with a warship of the Indian Navy and the Akash Ganga skydiving team of the Indian Air Force. This reflects the growing importance accorded to security partnerships.
Mauritius, strategically located in the western Indian Ocean, is immensely significant for India’s maritime security interests. India’s commitment to supporting Mauritius’s defence capabilities underscores the shared recognition of the need for a secure and stable Indian Ocean region
Combating Maritime Threats: Both nations are committed to combating transnational maritime threats, including piracy, illegal fishing, and drug trafficking. Enhanced information sharing and coordinated patrols are essential to maintaining the regional maritime security. The importance of securing sea lanes of communication vital to both nations, is a major driving force behind the cooperation.
Blue Economy: Sustainable Development
Shared Resources: India and Mauritius share a deep interest in harnessing the blue economy’s potential for sustainable development. Cooperation in fisheries, marine research, and coastal tourism can contribute to economic growth and job creation.
Sustainable Practices: Promoting sustainable fishing practices and protecting marine ecosystems are crucial for ensuring the long-term viability of the blue economy. Collaboration in marine scientific research and technology transfer can support sustainable resource management. Climate change poses a major threat to both nations and drives cooperation on mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Port Development: India is also involved in port development projects in Mauritius, which improve maritime trade, and increase the country’s ability to participate in the blue economy
Technological Cooperation: Bridging the Digital Divide
Digital Partnership: India’s expertise in information technology and digital infrastructure can play a vital role in Mauritius’s digital transformation. Cooperation in e-governance, digital education, and cybersecurity can enhance Mauritius’s technological capabilities.
Space Cooperation: India’s space programme has provided valuable assistance to Mauritius, including establishing ground stations for satellite tracking. This cooperation enhances Mauritius’s capabilities in remote sensing and disaster management.
Capacity Building: India has offered many training programmes to Mauritian citizens, in many technological sectors, which has improved the technical skills of the Mauritian workforce.
Mauritius, strategically located in the western Indian Ocean, is immensely significant for India’s maritime security interests. India’s commitment to supporting Mauritius’s defence capabilities underscores the shared recognition of the need for a secure and stable Indian Ocean region
Challenges and the Way Forward
Maintaining Momentum: Sustaining the momentum of bilateral cooperation requires continuous engagement and dialogue. Addressing potential challenges and ensuring the effective implementation of joint projects are crucial.
Diversifying Cooperation: Exploring new areas of cooperation, such as renewable energy and climate change mitigation, can further strengthen the partnership. Increasing trade between both nations.
Regional Collaboration: Promoting regional collaboration in the Indian Ocean region is essential for addressing shared challenges and fostering sustainable development. Both nations should also work together in multilateral forums.
Conclusion
The Mauritius government conferred upon Prime Minister Modi, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean. The India-Mauritius strategic relationship is a testament to the power of shared values and mutual interests. By deepening cooperation in defence, maritime security, the blue economy, and technological development, both nations can contribute to a secure, prosperous, and sustainable Indian Ocean region. The future of this partnership hinges on continued commitment, effective implementation, and a shared vision for a stable and thriving maritime domain.
–The writer is Assistant Professor, ICFAI School of Liberal Arts, ICFAI University, Jaipur. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
