13 March 2025/
INDIA AND MAURITIUS STRENGTHEN TIES WITH ENHANCED STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
India and Mauritius have taken their bilateral relationship to new heights by elevating their ties to an ‘enhanced strategic partnership’. During delegation-level talks in Port Louis between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritius Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, the two nations signed eight pacts to boost cooperation in various sectors, including maritime security and promoting trade in local currencies.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also introduced India’s new vision for the Global South, named “MAHASAGAR” (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
“In the next five years, five hundred civil servants of Mauritius will be trained in India. We have reached an agreement for settlement of mutual trade in local currency. The Prime Minister and I agree that defence cooperation and maritime security are key pillars of our strategic partnership. Free, open, secure and safe Indian Ocean is our common priority…In this regard, we will extend every possible assistance to meet the needs of the Coast Guard,” Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Mauritius in strengthening its defence and security, reflecting the shared regional objectives of the two countries.
Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, is situated about 2,000 kilometers off the southeastern coast of East Africa, east of Madagascar. It comprises the main island of Mauritius along with Rodrigues, Agaléga and St. Brandon. Due to its geographic location and colonial history, the people of Mauritius are ethnically, culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse. It is the only African country where Hinduism is the predominant religion. Mauritius boasts one of the most competitive and developed economies in Africa and provides free universal health care, education up to the tertiary level, and public transportation for students, senior citizens, and the disabled. Moreover, Mauritius is ranked as the most peaceful country in Africa.
Mauritius operates as a parliamentary representative democratic republic, with the President as the head of state and the Prime Minister as the head of government. The country has a multi-party system, and both the Government and the National Assembly hold legislative power. Elections are held every five years, with the most recent one in November 2019. Since gaining independence from Britain in 1968, Mauritius has transformed from an agriculture-based economy to a high-income, diversified economy, thriving on tourism, textiles, sugar, and financial services. It is often regarded as Africa’s most developed country.
Mauritius, a top tourist destination, boasts a tropical climate with warm seas, stunning beaches, and diverse flora and fauna. Its multi-ethnic population adds a vibrant cultural touch, celebrating Hindu, Christian, Chinese and Muslim festivals.
The island nation is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Aapravasi Ghat and Le Morne Cultural Landscape, with Black River Gorges National Park on the tentative list. Mauritius offers a tropical environment along the coast and forests in the mountains and is known for its excellent air quality. The tourism sector plays a crucial role in its economy.
MAURITIUS, AN ISLAND PARADISE IN THE INDIAN OCEAN, IS WITNESSING THE STRENGTHENING OF ITS TIES WITH INDIA, AS BOTH NATIONS ELEVATE THEIR PARTNERSHIP AND SHARE A VISION FOR GROWTH
