Introduction India and Mauritius have historically shared deep-rooted ties based on cultural, economic, and strategic partnerships. The recent upgrade of their bilateral relationship to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership underscores their commitment to regional security, trade, and development. This article explores the key aspects of India-Mauritius relations, highlighting major agreements, challenges, and future prospects.
Historical Background
Colonial Era & Early Connections (Pre-1947)
Indian indentured laborers formed the backbone of Mauritius’ workforce under British rule.
Mahatma Gandhi’s visit in 1901 ignited political awareness among the Indian diaspora in Mauritius.
Post-Independence Era (1947–1968)
India actively supported Mauritius' anti-colonial movement and continues to back its claim over the Chagos Archipelago.
Diplomatic relations were formally established after Mauritius gained independence in 1968.
Economic & Strategic Expansion (1983–2020)
Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) 1983 made Mauritius a major FDI gateway for India.
Maritime security collaboration, digital partnerships, and metro infrastructure projects strengthened ties.
Mauritius joined India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative in 2020.
Recent Developments (2021-Present)
Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) 2021 boosted trade ties.
Mauritius aligned with India’s Indo-Pacific vision.
ISRO launched Mauritius’ first satellite in 2022.
India expanded cooperation on Blue Economy and revised DTAA in 2024.
Key Highlights of the Joint Declaration
Defence & Maritime Security
Refit of Coast Guard Ships: Victory, Valiant, and Barracuda refurbished with Indian support.
Joint Maritime Surveillance: Indian naval ships and aircraft to enhance Mauritius’ maritime security.
Security of EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone): Development of the Agalega runway and jetty to counter growing Chinese influence.
Infrastructure & Development
100 Electric Buses and charging infrastructure delivered to promote clean transport.
Water Pipeline Project: 100 km of pipelines to be replaced under India’s ₹487 crore rupee-denominated credit line.
New Parliament Building: India to gift a new Mauritius Parliament building as a symbol of democracy.
Digital Cooperation & Capacity Building
E-Judiciary System: India to assist Mauritius in digitizing judicial services.
Training for Civil Services & Police: 500 Mauritian officials to be trained in India over five years.
Cybersecurity & ICT Collaboration: Strengthening digital infrastructure for cyber resilience.
Health & Education
Jan Aushadhi Kendras: Expansion of affordable generic medicine stores in Mauritius.
Ayush Centre of Excellence: Promotion of Indian traditional medicine (AYUSH) practices.
Education & Research: Collaboration in curriculum development, science & technology policies, and student exchange programs.
Challenges in India-Mauritius Relations
China’s Growing Influence
China’s rising strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) poses a challenge to India’s influence in Mauritius.
Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) Issues
Delays in ratifying amendments to DTAA have created uncertainty in trade and investment relations.
Geopolitical Balancing
Mauritius maintains neutral diplomatic ties with multiple global powers, making exclusive India-Mauritius cooperation challenging.
Economic Dependencies
Mauritius is seeking economic diversification beyond India, reducing full-scale reliance on Indian trade and investments.
Way Forward
Strengthening Defence & Maritime Security
Expand joint naval exercises and white shipping agreements for enhanced regional security.
Boosting Trade and Investment
Accelerate full CECPA implementation to facilitate trade and economic diversification.
Technology Transfer & Renewable Energy
Promote cooperation in EV technology, solar power projects, and digital governance.
Addressing DTAA & Economic Concerns
Speed up DTAA ratification to resolve taxation issues and attract investors.
Regional Leadership
Strengthen collaboration in IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association) & Colombo Security Conclave to enhance regional cooperation.
Conclusion
India’s transition from SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) to MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) reflects its growing Indo-Pacific strategy. Strengthening maritime security, trade, and sustainable development with Mauritius will ensure mutual economic growth and regional stability.
MCQs for UPSC CSE
What is the significance of the DTAA agreement between India and Mauritius?
(A) Strengthens cultural ties
(B) Promotes tourism
(C) Facilitates Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
(D) Enhances military cooperation
Answer: (C) Facilitates Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
Which initiative aims to strengthen India’s maritime security cooperation with Mauritius?
(A) BIMSTEC
(B) SAGAR
(C) BRICS
(D) QUAD
Answer: (B) SAGAR
What is the primary focus of the Indo-Mauritius CECPA agreement?
(A) Defence and security cooperation
(B) Trade and economic partnerships
(C) Climate change initiatives
(D) Space exploration
Answer: (B) Trade and economic partnerships
The Agalega Island development project between India and Mauritius primarily focuses on:
(A) Setting up an IT hub
(B) Maritime security and infrastructure
(C) Promoting tourism
(D) Agricultural cooperation
Answer: (B) Maritime security and infrastructure
Which year did India and Mauritius sign the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA)?
(A) 2018
(B) 2019
(C) 2021
(D) 2023
Answer: (C) 2021
Mains Question for UPSC
Q: Discuss the significance of India-Mauritius relations in the context of maritime security, trade, and economic cooperation. How does India’s SAGAR initiative align with Mauritius’ strategic interests?
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