A Deep-Rooted Partnership
India and Mauritius share a long-standing relationship built on historical, cultural, and economic ties. As a key partner in the Indian Ocean region, Mauritius has benefited from India’s support in trade, infrastructure, security, and capacity building. Strengthening this partnership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam recently signed eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering various sectors, reaffirming the strategic and economic collaboration between the two nations.
Adding to the significance of the visit, PM Modi was conferred Mauritius’ highest civilian honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GCSK), making him the first Indian and only the fifth foreign national to receive this prestigious award.
Key Agreements Signed Between India and Mauritius
During the bilateral discussions, eight MoUs were signed, focusing on:
- Crime Investigation & Maritime Security: Strengthening law enforcement cooperation and ensuring safer maritime trade routes.
- Infrastructure Diplomacy: India’s assistance in building a new Parliament building in Mauritius.
- Economic & Trade Relations: Agreement to settle mutual trade in local currency to ease transactions and reduce dependency on foreign exchange fluctuations.
- Capacity Building & Training: India will train 500 civil servants from Mauritius in the next five years.
- Scientific & Space Cooperation: Advancing collaboration in research, technology, and innovation to benefit both nations.
- Financial Aid & Small Business Support: Enhancing economic development through financial assistance and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
During a joint press interaction, PM Modi highlighted that India and Mauritius are partners in economic and social progress, standing together through challenges like natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.
PM Modi Honoured with Mauritius’ Highest Civilian Award
In recognition of his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GCSK) at a special ceremony in Port Louis. He became the first Indian leader to receive the award, dedicating it to the 140-crore people of India and the historic friendship between India and Mauritius.
Accepting the honour, Modi stated: “This is not just an honour for me, but for the centuries-old bond between India and Mauritius.”
Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam had announced the award before Modi’s arrival, with over 200 top ministers, officials, and opposition leaders welcoming him at the airport—an unprecedented gesture of respect.
The Growing Role of India in Mauritius’ Development
The two leaders also inaugurated the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation in Mauritius, which Modi described as a hub for learning, research, and governance. This reflects India’s commitment to developing Mauritius’ human resources and governance structures.
Additionally, the two nations upgraded their bilateral relations to an ‘Enhanced Strategic Partnership’, ensuring stronger security cooperation, diplomatic training, and scientific collaboration.
Future Prospects: A Strengthened Indo-Mauritian Alliance
With growing economic and security cooperation, India and Mauritius are set to deepen their relationship in the coming years. India’s investment in Mauritius’ infrastructure, trade, and human capital will further solidify its influence in the Indian Ocean region.
As global economic and geopolitical dynamics evolve, Mauritius remains a crucial partner for India’s Indo-Pacific strategy. The recent MoUs and PM Modi’s recognition highlight a new era of collaboration, ensuring that both nations continue to benefit from their historical and strategic ties.
(With inputs from agencies)
