PM Modi's Visit to Mauritius

Key Highlights

• Indian Ocean Priority: PM  emphasized the importance of a "free, open, secure, and safe" Indian Ocean, a priority shared by India and Mauritius.
• Support for Mauritius: India expressed clear support for Mauritius's sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago.
• Training and Cooperation:
  • India will train 500 Mauritian civil servants over the next five years.
  • Agreements have been made to settle mutual trade in local currencies.
  • Defence cooperation and maritime security are key strategic pillars.
• Assistance and Development:
  • India will support Mauritius in establishing a Police Academy and a National Maritime Information Sharing Centre.
  • New projects worth 500 million Mauritian rupee are to be launched under the bilateral partnership.
• Chagos Dispute: India's commitment to Mauritius's position on the Chagos dispute is to be advanced via international forums like the Colombo Security Conclave.
• Cultural Ties: Special support for Mauritian travelers for pilgrimage in India was announced.

Agreements and Memoranda

• Trade and Currency Agreement:
  • Promotes the use of local currencies for transactions.
  • Encourages direct exchange rate quotations and setting up an Indian rupee clearing centre in Mauritius and COMESA countries.
• Maritime Security: An agreement on sharing white shipping information will enhance Mauritius's maritime security and trade safety.
• Other Agreements:
  • Partnerships between the Enforcement Directorate of India and the Financial Crimes Commission of Mauritius.
  • Seven additional memoranda were signed to foster cooperation and enhance bilateral relations.

Recognition and Honours

PM  was honored with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean, reflecting the close ties between the nations.