India and Mauritius have signed eight MoUs to fortify their strategic partnership, focusing on trade, maritime security, and cooperative efforts in the MSME sector. PM Narendra Modi unveiled the MAHASAGAR initiative, emphasizing maritime cooperation and infrastructural assistance. This visit marks a significant step in countering Chinese influence in the region.
On March 12, 2025, India and Mauritius upgraded their bilateral relations to an ‘enhanced strategic partnership’ by signing eight key memoranda of understanding (MoUs). These agreements aim to enhance cooperation in various sectors such as trade, maritime security, and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, as well as promote the use of national currencies in cross-border transactions and combat money laundering.
During the two-day visit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Mauritius’ national day as the chief guest, showcasing military participation from India, including armed forces and naval assets. In discussions with Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Modi unveiled a new policy vision for the Global South called MAHASAGAR, aimed at securing interests in the Indian Ocean amidst rising Chinese influence.
Mohit also emphasized the importance of maritime security, pledging full cooperation to ensure the safety of Mauritius’ Exclusive Economic Zone. This commitment represents a follow-up to India’s previous SAGAR initiative announced in 2015, which focused on security and growth in the region. The MAHASAGAR initiative will further advance collaborative efforts across various sectors including capacity building and mutual security strategies.
India also agreed to assist in several infrastructural projects in Mauritius, such as constructing a new Parliament building to symbolize their partnership. Additionally, Modi committed resources to help strengthen Mauritius’ Coast Guard and establish a police academy, aiming to enhance security capabilities on the island.
Highlighting India’s supportive stance on the ongoing discussions regarding the Chagos Islands’ sovereignty, Modi underlined that India respects Mauritius’ interests in negotiations with the UK, especially as the Mauritian government seeks a reassessment of previous agreements.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing economic and social progress through expanded cooperation, citing collaborative efforts in various fields, including defence, health, and education. They announced several development initiatives backed by India, such as improving water supply infrastructure and initiating community development projects worth 500 million Mauritian Rupees.
Modi also mentioned ongoing projects like the metro express and health facilities supported by India. He emphasized the importance of cultural connections, promising to facilitate tourism initiatives and promoted the use of artificial intelligence and digital public infrastructure for Mauritius’ development, reinforcing the historic ties that bind the two nations, especially considering that 70% of Mauritius’ population is of Indian descent.
The recent upgrade of India-Mauritius relations to an enhanced strategic partnership, marked by the signing of eight MoUs, reflects a deepening of cooperation across multiple sectors. The initiatives aim to bolster trade, maritime security, and social development, particularly through infrastructural investments and collaborative projects. This partnership establishes a significant counterbalance to external influences in the Indian Ocean, emphasizing collective security and mutual growth. The longstanding ties sustained by cultural connections further augment the collaboration, informing a promising future for both nations.
Original Source: www.news18.com
