India and Mauritius strengthened ties through strategic agreements in defense, trade, and digital governance, reinforcing maritime security and economic cooperation under India's MAHASAGAR vision.
New Delhi: India and Mauritius share a historically entrenched relationship shaped by centuries of cultural, economic, and strategic ties. From the migration of indentured laborers during British rule to becoming one of India’s most reliable allies in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius has consistently remained at the heart of India’s maritime security, economic outreach, and geopolitical strategy.
During the recent state visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Mauritius, the two nations elevated their partnership to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, marking a new chapter in their diplomatic and economic engagement. Multiple agreements were signed in maritime security, trade, development cooperation, digital governance, and defense collaboration, underscoring India’s long-term commitment to Mauritius.
Additionally, the Prime Minister of India was honored with Mauritius’ highest civilian award, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean, recognizing his contributions to deepening India-Mauritius relations.
Historical Evolution of India-Mauritius Relations
Colonial Era: The Foundation of Indo-Mauritian Ties
- The relationship between India and Mauritius dates back to the 18th century, when Indian artisans and laborers were first brought to Mauritius during French colonial rule.
- However, it was during British rule (1834–early 1900s) that over 500,000 Indian indentured laborers were transported to Mauritius to work on sugarcane plantations. Nearly two-thirds of them settled permanently, making Mauritius the only country outside India with a Hindu-majority population up to 70%. Furthermore, Mauritius hosts the World Hindi Secretariat to promote Hindi in the world.
India’s Support in Mauritius’ Independence (1947–1968)
- India played a crucial role in supporting Mauritius’ anti-colonial struggle against British rule.
- India was among the first countries to recognize Mauritius’ independence in 1968 and established full diplomatic relations the same year.
Post-Independence Relations and Economic Expansion (1983–2020)
- 1983: Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) – This agreement made Mauritius a leading hub for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India, facilitating tax-efficient investment flows. At Present, Mauritius is the 2nd largest source of FDI into India, after Singapore as per FY 2023-24.
- 2000s: Maritime Security and Economic Cooperation – India provided defense equipment, Coast Guard support, and digital infrastructure to Mauritius.
- 2020: SAGAR Initiative – Mauritius joined India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) strategy, reinforcing maritime security and regional stability.
Recent Developments (2021-Present)
- 2021: CECPA Agreement – India and Mauritius signed the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA), India’s first trade pact with an African nation.
- 2022: Space Collaboration – India, through ISRO, helped Mauritius launch its first satellite, strengthening scientific and technological cooperation.
- 2024: MAHASAGAR Vision Introduced – India expanded its SAGAR strategy into MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), focusing on trade, security, and development cooperation in the Global South.
Key Outcomes of the Indian PM’s Visit to Mauritius (2025)
The Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Mauritius resulted in a series of strategic agreements, further deepening economic, security, and diplomatic ties.
A. Defense and Maritime Security Cooperation
- Refit of Mauritian Coast Guard Ships: India will upgrade and maintain three key Coast Guard vessels (Victory, Valiant, and Barracuda), originally gifted to Mauritius.
- Agalega Island Developments: India has constructed a new runway and jetty on Agalega Island, enhancing Mauritius’ and India’s maritime surveillance capabilities to counter China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean.
- Joint Maritime Surveillance: Indian naval ships and aircraft will conduct regular joint surveillance missions in Mauritian waters.
- White Shipping Agreement: India and Mauritius signed a technical agreement to exchange maritime data, enhancing anti-piracy and anti-smuggling operations.
B. Economic and Infrastructure Development
- Cross-Border Transactions in Local Currencies: A framework was established for bilateral trade in Indian Rupees and Mauritian Rupees, reducing dependence on the US dollar.
- Water Infrastructure Project: India provided a ₹487 crore rupee-denominated Line of Credit, its first-ever INR-based credit line, to help Mauritius replace 100 km of aging water pipelines.
- Electric Mobility Initiative: India supplied 100 electric buses and installed charging stations to promote sustainable urban transport.
- New Parliament Building: India announced the construction of a new Parliament building in Mauritius, symbolizing shared democratic values.
C. Digital and Capacity Building Cooperation
- E-Judiciary System: India will help Mauritius digitize its judicial services, improving efficiency and accessibility.
- Cybersecurity Collaboration: Strengthened cooperation in cyber resilience and digital public infrastructure.
- Training of Mauritian Civil Servants: Over 500 Mauritian civil servants will receive training in India over the next five years.
D. Health and Education Initiatives
- Jan Aushadhi Kendras: Expansion of affordable generic medicine stores in Mauritius.
- Ayush Centre of Excellence: Promotion of Indian traditional medicine (AYUSH) in Mauritius.
- Education & Research Cooperation: Strengthened academic exchanges and joint research programs.
Challenges in India-Mauritius Relations
Despite strong ties, several challenges persist:
1. China’s Expanding Influence
- China-Mauritius Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signed in 2021, strengthens China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) outreach in the Indian Ocean.
- China’s increased economic investments in Mauritius pose a strategic challenge for India.
2. Delays in DTAA Amendments
- The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) has been misused for tax evasion and round-tripping of funds. India has pushed for amendments, but Mauritius has delayed implementation.
3. Economic Diversification and Dependency
- Mauritius is seeking to diversify its economic partnerships, reducing full dependence on Indian trade and investment.
4. Diplomatic Neutrality
- Mauritius maintains a neutral foreign policy, engaging with multiple powers like China, the EU, and Gulf nations, limiting India’s exclusive influence.
The Way Forward: Strengthening India-Mauritius Relations
1. Expanding Defense and Security Cooperation
- Conduct more joint naval exercises and increase regional security coordination.
- Expand intelligence-sharing for counterterrorism and anti-piracy operations.
2. Enhancing Trade and Economic Integration
- Fully implement the CECPA agreement and explore new trade avenues in fintech, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy.
- Fast-track DTAA amendments to enhance transparency in investments.
3. Promoting Green Energy and Technological Advancements
- Expand collaboration in solar energy, electric vehicles, and marine conservation projects.
4. Strengthening Regional Leadership
- Use Mauritius as a strategic partner in regional organizations, including:
- Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)
- Colombo Security Conclave
- African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
Conclusion
The India-Mauritius relationship has transitioned into a strategic and multifaceted partnership, focusing on maritime security, trade, and regional stability. The MAHASAGAR vision reinforces India’s role as a leader in the Indo-Pacific, ensuring mutual prosperity and a stronger Global South alliance.
This growing partnership will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Indian Ocean region.
FAQs on India-Mauritius Relations
1. Why is Mauritius important to India’s foreign policy?
Mauritius is strategically significant due to its location in the Indian Ocean, its historical ties with India, and its role in maritime security, trade, and regional diplomacy.
2. What are the key agreements signed between India and Mauritius in 2025?
Recent agreements cover maritime security, defense cooperation, cross-border trade in local currencies, digital governance, and infrastructure development, including a new Parliament building in Mauritius.
3. How does India support Mauritius in defense and security?
India provides surveillance equipment, joint maritime patrols, naval ship refits, and has developed infrastructure on Agalega Island to enhance regional security.
4. What is the impact of China’s growing influence in Mauritius?
China’s investments and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Mauritius under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) pose strategic challenges for India, requiring India to strengthen its engagement.
5. How does the MAHASAGAR vision impact India-Mauritius relations?
MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) expands India’s SAGAR strategy, boosting trade, security, and development cooperation across the Global South, with Mauritius playing a central role.
