India-Mauritius Relations
For Prelims: Agalega Island, Chagos Archipelago, Colombo Security Conclave, IORA, Indian Ocean Conference, Dandi March, SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program, National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG).
For Mains: Significance of Mauritius as an international partner, India-Mauritius relations.
Why in News?
During the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Mauritius, both nations signed a series of agreements on trade, maritime security, and defense, marking a step towards regional cooperation and upgrading their relationship to a higher strategic partnership. The Prime Minister was also honored with Mauritius’ highest national award, the 'Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean.'
Key Outcomes of India’s PM Visit to Mauritius
- Enhanced Strategic Partnership: The two countries upgraded their ties to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, boosting security cooperation, trade in local currencies, and development efforts while reiterating their commitment to a free and secure Indian Ocean.
- Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA): Both nations agreed to amend and ratify the protocol on DTAA to meet international treaty standards.
- ‘Mahasagar’ Vision: India introduced the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiative, building upon the SAGAR initiative. This vision focuses on strengthening engagement with the Global South through technology sharing, concessional loans, trade, and enhanced security cooperation.
- Security Cooperation: India and Mauritius agreed to utilize Agalega Island’s newly developed runway and jetty, built with Indian support. India also reaffirmed its support for Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. Cooperation will also expand in areas such as white shipping, blue economy, and hydrography.
- Developmental Support: India announced its first-ever rupee-denominated Line of Credit for Mauritius to replace its water pipelines. India will also assist in establishing a police academy and maritime information-sharing center in Mauritius.
- New Parliament Building: India will construct a new Parliament building for Mauritius, described as a gift from the "Mother of Democracy."
- Multilateral Engagements: India reiterated its commitment to working with Mauritius in regional and global forums like the Colombo Security Conclave, IORA, and the Indian Ocean Conference.
Historical Connection Between India and Mauritius
- Pre-Independence of India: Indians first arrived in Mauritius during French colonial rule in the 1700s, primarily as artisans and masons from Puducherry. Later, under British rule, over 500,000 Indian indentured workers migrated between 1834 and the early 1900s, with many settling in Mauritius. Mahatma Gandhi visited Mauritius in 1901, advocating for education and political empowerment of the Indian community. To honor Gandhi, Mauritius celebrates its National Day on 12th March, marking the Dandi March.
- Post-Independence of India: India and Mauritius established diplomatic ties in 1948, two decades before Mauritius gained independence in 1968. Mauritius' first Prime Minister, Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, shared close ties with Indian leaders like Gandhiji, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhash Chandra Bose.
Why Are India and Mauritius Important for Each Other?
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Importance of Mauritius for India:
- Maritime Significance: Mauritius holds strategic importance in the western Indian Ocean, making it a key maritime partner in India’s SAGAR (now MAHASAGAR) initiative.
- Countering China’s Influence: With China's growing presence in the Indian Ocean, India’s close ties with Mauritius help secure crucial sea lanes and safeguard India’s strategic interests.
- Economic Relations: Mauritius serves as a gateway for India’s trade and investment in Africa, being part of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It is also one of India’s largest trading partners and a major source of foreign direct investment (FDI).
- Cultural Ties: Approximately 70% of Mauritius' population is of Indian descent, fostering strong cultural, linguistic, and religious connections between the two countries.
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Importance of India for Mauritius:
- Leading Development Partner: India has been Mauritius' key development partner since its independence in 1968, providing over USD 1.1 billion in the last decade for various infrastructure projects such as the Metro Express, Supreme Court Building, and hospitals.
- Maritime Security: India plays a vital role in Mauritius’ security, assisting with the protection of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) through naval patrols and joint maritime surveillance.
- Disaster Response: India has been the first responder to crises in Mauritius, providing aid during events like Cyclone Chido (2024), the Wakashio Oil Spill (2020), and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Capacity Building: Mauritius benefits significantly from India’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, with nearly 5,000 Mauritians trained since 2002, along with specialized training for civil servants through the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG).
Conclusion
India and Mauritius have strengthened their strategic partnership through new agreements in trade, security, and development. India’s MAHASAGAR vision, alongside significant infrastructural and developmental support, enhances regional cooperation, counters external influences, and promotes deeper economic ties. The shared history, cultural connections, and geopolitical alignment between the two nations make this partnership vital for regional stability and prosperity.
Drishti Mains Question:
How does India’s strategic partnership with Mauritius contribute to its maritime security and regional influence in the Indian Ocean?
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
- Prelims
Q. With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, consider the following statements: (2015)
- It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and oil spills.
- It is an alliance meant for maritime security only.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (d)
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Prelims
Q. A significant portion of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India comes from Mauritius, more than from major economies like the UK and France. Why? (2010)
(a) India prefers certain countries for FDI.
(b) India has a double taxation avoidance agreement with Mauritius.
(c) Most Mauritians have ethnic ties to India, making them feel secure in investing.
(d) Global climate change concerns prompt Mauritius to invest heavily in India.
Ans: (b) -
Mains
Q. Why was indentured labor sent from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity there? (2018)
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