India and Mauritius have elevated their bilateral relations to an enhanced strategic partnership, signing eight agreements to boost cooperation in trade, maritime security, and other sectors. Prime Minister Modi unveiled a new vision for the Global South named MAHASAGAR, emphasizing mutual security and economic development. The partnership emphasizes respect for Mauritius’ sovereignty, particularly regarding the Chagos Islands, and aims to facilitate local currency trade and development projects.
India and Mauritius have recently elevated their relationship to an enhanced strategic partnership, signing eight agreements to bolster cooperation across various sectors, including trade and maritime security. Among the agreements, significant measures include the promotion of national currencies for cross-border transactions, maritime data sharing, joint efforts against money laundering, and enhanced collaboration in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.
During Prime Minister Modi’s two-day visit to Port Louis, he proudly attended Mauritius’ national day celebrations as the chief guest. This event featured the participation of Indian armed forces, including a navy warship and the Akash Ganga skydiving team from the Indian Air Force.
In a significant address, Prime Minister Modi unveiled India’s new vision for the Global South, termed “MAHASAGAR” (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), in response to China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean. He emphasized the shared priority of maintaining a free, open, secure, and safe Indian Ocean, while reiterating India’s commitment to assisting Mauritius with security in its Exclusive Economic Zone.
PM Modi remarked that this new strategic partnership builds on the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) framework introduced during his previous visit in 2015. He declared that MAHASAGAR symbolizes a progressive step towards regional stability and prosperity, emphasizing trade, sustainable growth, and mutual security.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister articulated India’s extensive support for Mauritius, promising assistance in equipping its Coast Guard, establishing a police academy, and developing a national maritime information center. He reaffirmed India’s respect for Mauritius’ sovereignty regarding the Chagos Islands and highlighted India’s ongoing negotiations with the UK concerning the islands’ sovereignty.
In terms of development, PM Modi specified plans for modernization projects in Mauritius, including upgrading a 100-kilometer water pipeline, and initiating new community development projects worth 500 million Mauritian rupees. He noted the commitment to conducting mutual trade in local currencies and presented several India-funded projects aimed at enhancing the island’s infrastructure and public services.
Enhancing people-to-people connections remains integral, with initiatives like facilitating Char Dham Yatra and promoting the Ramayana trail in India for Mauritians. This visit reinforces the longstanding ties between India and Mauritius, which are deeply rooted in shared cultural and historical bonds, notably with the Indian-origin population constituting a significant majority of Mauritius’ 1.2 million residents.
Since 2005, India has been one of the primary trading partners of Mauritius, fostering bilateral relations in multiple sectors, thus solidifying its role as a key ally in the region.
The recent elevation of India-Mauritius relations to an enhanced strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation, focusing on trade, security, and sustainable development. By signing eight pivotal agreements, both nations aim to strengthen their ties against the backdrop of external regional challenges. This partnership, grounded in mutual respect and shared cultural ties, will facilitate economic growth and development, enhancing the ties between the two countries.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
