Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius highlighted cooperation regarding the Indian Ocean’s security, the sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago, and significant agreements in trade and cultural exchanges, including local currency trade settlements and defense collaboration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his recent two-day state visit to Mauritius, emphasized the importance of a “free, open, secure, and safe” Indian Ocean as a shared priority for India and Mauritius. He reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for Mauritius’s sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago, noting a previous agreement between Mauritius and the U.K. regarding this territory.
Mr. Modi announced that five hundred civil servants from Mauritius would receive training in India over the next five years and highlighted the establishment of mutual trade agreements utilizing local currencies. He stated that defense cooperation and maritime security are fundamental elements of the strategic partnership, pledging India’s support for the Mauritian Coast Guard.
India’s commitment extends to aiding the development of a Police Academy and a National Maritime Information Sharing Centre in Mauritius. Furthermore, he expressed India’s dedication to advocating for Mauritius’s position in ongoing discussions regarding the Chagos dispute through various regional forums.
The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Mauritius became a key topic during negotiations with the U.K., culminating in the agreement reached in October 2024 which allowed Mauritius to gain sovereignty over the Chagos Islands while permitting operations of the Diego Garcia military base for an additional ninety-nine years.
On the cultural front, Mr. Modi announced assistance for Mauritian travellers undertaking the Char Dham Yatra and pilgrimage along the Ramayana Trail in India. Additionally, new developmental projects worth 500 million Mauritian rupees are to be initiated as part of the bilateral partnership.
In summary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius underscored the robust strategic partnership between the two nations, with a shared commitment to a secure Indian Ocean and mutual respect for sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago. The agreements signed during this visit aim to enhance cooperation in trade, security, and cultural ties, thereby fostering growth and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
