15 Sep India & Mauritius: United by Ocean, Bound by Heritage
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and Topic details ” India & Mauritius: United by Ocean, Bound by Heritage
SYLLABUS MAPPING:
GS-2- International Relations– India & Mauritius: United by Ocean, Bound by Heritage
FOR PRELIMS
What are the factors behind the trade imbalance between India and Mauritius?
FOR MAINS
What are the key challenges in India–Mauritius relations?
Why in the News?
Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam is on an eight-day visit to India. His offering of prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and the scheduled visit to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya have been hailed as symbols of the deep civilisational and cultural bonds between India and Mauritius. The visit also witnessed the signing of multiple agreements to strengthen strategic, economic, and maritime cooperation.
Key Highlights:
1. MEA described the Kashi Vishwanath visit as a “testament of deep civilisational ties.”
2. Announcement of a USD 680 million Special Economic Package for Mauritius.
3. Seven MoUs signed in areas like science & technology, oceanography, power, hydrography, small development projects, and space cooperation.
4. Major pact: Space collaboration for telemetry, tracking, and communication stations.
5. Bilateral talks reaffirmed partnership in infrastructure, healthcare, digital tech, energy, and maritime security
Key Areas of India–Mauritius Cooperation
| Key Area | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 1. Economic Cooperation | – India is Mauritius’ largest trading partner (~25% of imports). – Bilateral trade: USD 742 million (2023). – Major FDI source to India: USD 160+ billion (2000–2023) via DTAA. |
| 2. Strategic & Defence | – India building airstrip & jetty on Agalega Island for maritime security. – Gifted patrol vessels, Dornier aircraft, radar systems. – Cooperation in EEZ mapping & hydrography. |
| 3. People-to-People Ties | – 68% of Mauritians are of Indian origin. – IIT Madras & IIPM signed MoUs with University of Mauritius. |
| 4. Historical & Cultural Links | – Shared Girmitiya (indentured labour) legacy. – India restored Aapravasi Ghat (UNESCO World Heritage Site). |
| 5. Regional & Global Dimensions | – Key to Neighbourhood First & SAGAR. – Collaboration in ISA and IORA for climate and maritime governance. |
| 6. Africa Factor | – Mauritius as a gateway for India’s Africa outreach. – Supports IAFS, promotes Indian fintech/IT in Africa. |
| 7. China Factor | – Chinese investments in ports and real estate raise concerns. – India counters with Agalega project and USD 680 million aid package (2025). |
Challenges in India–Mauritius Relations
1. Strategic Balancing: Mauritius treads a fine line in its ties with India, China, France, and the U.S. India’s Agalega airstrip project, while strategic, has triggered domestic concerns over militarisation.
2. Chagos Archipelago Dispute: India supports Mauritius’ sovereignty over Chagos, but the UK–U.S. base on Diego Garcia remains a geopolitical hurdle.
3. Economic Vulnerability: Mauritius depends heavily on tourism and offshore finance, making it prone to global shocks and limiting scope for trade diversification with India.
4. Climate Risks: As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Mauritius is highly vulnerable to rising sea levels, cyclones, and coastal erosion—requiring long-term external support.
5. Trade Imbalance: India’s exports (USD 745 million) far exceed its imports (USD 128 million) from Mauritius, leading to economic asymmetry.
Way Forward: Building a Future-Ready Partnership
1. Blue Economy & Climate Action: Enhance collaboration in fisheries, marine ecosystems, and ocean-based renewables. Scale up joint efforts under ISA and CDRI for climate resilience.
2. Maritime Security: Boost joint patrols, EEZ monitoring, and hydrography. Position Agalega as a regional hub for HADR and maritime surveillance in the Indian Ocean.
3. Connectivity & Trade Corridors: Lin4. k Mauritius to India’s Sagarmala and the India–Middle East–Europe Corridor (IMEEC) to strengthen its role as a gateway to Africa.
4. Diaspora & Cultural Engagement: Leverage the deep diaspora links through youth exchanges, cultural tourism (e.g., Ramayana circuit), and digital heritage to keep ties vibrant and intergenerational.
Conclusion
India and Mauritius are more than strategic partners—they are bound by history, culture, and people-to-people ties. As PM Modi rightly said, the relationship is like a family. With shared priorities in security, development, and global governance, the India–Mauritius partnership is set to deepen, becoming a model for South–South cooperation and a pillar of stability in the Indian Ocean.
Prelims question:
Q. With reference to India–Mauritius relations, consider the following pairs:
1. Aapravasi Ghat – UNESCO World Heritage Site related to Indian indentured labourers
2. Jan Aushadhi Kendra – Recently established first time outside India in Mauritius
3. SAGAR Policy – Framework for Security and Growth in the Indian Ocean
Which of the above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Mains Question:
Q. India and Mauritius are not just partners but a family.” Critically examine this statement in light of recent developments, with special reference to strategic, cultural, and economic ties.
(250 words)
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