India-Mauritius Relations
Background and Historical Ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day State visit to Mauritius, marking his second visit since 2015. This visit coincides with Mauritius' National Day Celebrations on March 12. Mauritius is strategically significant to India, with 70% of its 1.2 million population being of Indian origin. Historical ties date back to the time when Indians were brought to Mauritius under French and later British colonial rule, with many settling on the island.
- Indians first arrived in Mauritius as laborers during French colonial rule in the 1700s.
- Under British rule, approximately 500,000 Indian indentured workers were brought between 1834 and the early 1900s, with two-thirds settling permanently on the island.
- Mahatma Gandhi's visit in 1901 is commemorated on Mauritius' National Day, March 12, in honor of his transformative messages on education, political empowerment, and maintaining ties with India.
Political and Diplomatic Relations
India was among the first nations to establish diplomatic relations with Mauritius in 1948. Since Mauritius's independence in 1968, it has been ruled primarily by two political families: the Ramgoolams and the Jugnauths. Notably, Navin Ramgoolam has served as Prime Minister multiple times.
- The elder Ramgoolam was instrumental in Mauritius's independence movement and maintained close relations with Indian leaders like Gandhi and Nehru.
- Mauritius' political ties with India have remained strong, influencing both countries' socio-political landscapes.
Key Areas of Cooperation
Infrastructure and Security
In 2015, India and Mauritius signed an MoU to enhance infrastructure on Agaléga Island to bolster maritime security and connectivity. In February 2024, major infrastructure projects on the island were inaugurated.
- These projects assist in maritime surveillance and security, addressing issues like piracy and trafficking.
- India's infrastructure support is crucial for Mauritius’ defense capabilities.
Economic and Development Cooperation
Mauritius is a significant economic partner for India, with substantial trade relations and investment flows.
- India's development assistance over the past decade amounts to nearly $1.1 billion, including credits and grants.
- Mauritius is the second-largest source of FDI into India after Singapore, facilitated by the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement signed in 2021.
Space and Capacity Building
India and Mauritius have agreements in space cooperation and capacity building through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme.
- India and Mauritius signed an agreement in 1986 for space research cooperation, recently renewed to develop a joint satellite.
- Mauritius is a major beneficiary of the ITEC programme, with over 4,940 Mauritians trained in various sectors.
Cultural Connections and Celebrations
The visit also emphasizes cultural ties, celebrating common heritage and events like Maha Shivratri and the Ganga Talao pilgrimage.
Conclusion
India’s relationship with Mauritius is multifaceted, encompassing historical ties, political cooperation, economic development, and cultural connections. The ongoing collaboration in areas like defense, trade, space, and capacity building underscores the strategic importance of this bilateral partnership.