India and Mauritius have elevated their ties to an enhanced strategic partnership, signing eight agreements focused on trade, maritime security, and cooperation in various sectors. PM Narendra Modi introduced a new initiative called “MAHASAGAR” to strengthen bilateral relations, emphasizing mutual security and collaborative growth. The partnership is marked by significant commitments to development initiatives and shared priorities, illustrating a robust future for both nations.
India and Mauritius have strengthened their relationship by establishing an ‘enhanced strategic partnership’ and signing eight agreements aimed at fostering collaboration in critical areas such as trade and maritime security. These agreements include promoting cross-border transactions using national currencies, sharing maritime data, and joint efforts against money laundering, as well as cooperation within the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.
During his visit to Port Louis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated as the chief guest in the national celebrations of Mauritius, where an Indian armed forces contingent, alongside an Indian Navy warship and the Akash Ganga skydiving team, showcased their presence. Following discussions with Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, PM Modi introduced a new initiative named “MAHASAGAR” aimed at enhancing security and growth in the Global South, particularly as a response to increasing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean.
PM Modi emphasized the shared commitment of India and Mauritius towards a secure Indian Ocean, detailing the importance of defense collaboration and maritime security as integral components of their strategic partnership. The Prime Minister affirmed, “We are committed to extend full cooperation in the security of Mauritius’ Exclusive Economic Zone,” highlighting a dedicated effort to strengthen security measures.
The establishment of the new vision follows a decade since PM Modi’s 2015 announcement of the SAGAR policy, which set the foundation for India’s engagement in the Indian Ocean region. He stated, “We have taken the SAGAR vision forward… our vision for the Global South will be, beyond SAGAR — (it will be) MAHASAGAR,” indicating an evolution in bilateral cooperation toward mutual progress through trade, capacity building, and security.
PM Modi committed to assisting Mauritius with several projects aimed at enhancing governance and infrastructure, including the construction of a new Parliament building, symbolic of India as the ‘Mother of Democracy.’ Additional supports include modernizing the water pipeline and establishing new local development projects with a budget of 500 million Mauritian rupees.
He asserted that every effort will be made to address Mauritius’s needs concerning its Coast Guard and highlighted plans for a police academy and a national maritime information sharing center. Furthermore, both leaders agreed to respect Mauritius’ sovereignty related to the Chagos Islands, reiterating India’s support in facilitating a beneficial agreement with the UK concerning this matter.
PM Modi noted, “We are each other’s partners on the path of economic and social progress,” pointing to the long-standing cooperation between India and Mauritius in areas such as disaster response, defense, education, and healthcare. He elaborated on India’s contributions to Mauritius by stating, “We have also agreed to settle mutual trade in local currencies,” thus further deepening economic relations.
Additionally, PM Modi announced the inauguration of several projects, such as a metro express system and healthcare facilities, to enhance living standards in Mauritius. He concluded by focusing on the significance of the people-to-people connections, planning collaborative efforts in technology and AI for human development, including facilitating visits to India for cultural experiences.
Given the historical ties between India and Mauritius—characterized by a substantial Indian-origin population comprising 70 percent of the island’s nearly 1.2 million residents—India remains one of Mauritius’s largest trading partners since 2005.
In summary, India and Mauritius have solidified their relationship through a newly established enhanced strategic partnership, bolstered by eight key agreements spanning various sectors. With a focus on mutual security, trade development, and capacity building, both nations exhibit a commitment to collaborative growth. The responses to maritime security challenges, infrastructural support, and enhanced people-to-people connections underscore the importance of this bilateral partnership for the future.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
