Why Mauritius Matters to India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Mauritius on a state visit on March 11 and 12, marking his second official trip to the island nation as a chief guest at national day celebrations. During the celebrations, President of the Republic of Mauritius Dharambeer Gokhool conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (G.C.S.K) award, the highest civilian award of Mauritius on Prime Minister Modi. This is the first time that an Indian leader has received this honour. Prime Minister Modi dedicated this award to the special friendship between India and Mauritius and to the 1.4 billion people of India and their 1.3 million “brothers and sisters” in Mauritius. During the National Day celebrations, an Indian Navy marching contingent participated in the parade. An Indian Naval Ship also made a Port Call to coincide with the National Day celebrations.

Modi visited the Island nation a decade ago in 2015. The visit became more important after the new government took over in Mauritius. India’s growing strategic partnership with Mauritius continues to remain important. Mauritius holds critical geopolitical value in the Indian Ocean. The strengthened relationship comes amid increasing Chinese influence in the region, making India’s engagement with Mauritius even more weighty.

Mauritius, as we all know is a small island nation in the western Indian Ocean, much attraction for tourists as well as for its strategic location in the Indian Ocean. At the first site on the map, it may seem inconspicuous. However, its tactical position makes it a valuable partner for India or for any country in the world. The island is home to nearly thirteen lakh people, about 70% of whom have Indian ancestry, a major advantage to India. This deep cultural and religious connection has historically tied the two countries closely. Prime Minister gifted Gangajal from Maha Kumbh to the President of Mauritius, a Banarasi sari to the first lady and OIC cards to the first family, Makhana snacks from Bihar…all joint dots of the origin of most of the Mauritius people having ancestral linkage to India. It is not only a sacred gift but also an emotional connection, reinforcing the lost links of the families who carve out to know their background and history.

Mauritius, geographically, sits along important trade sea routes, connecting Asia with Africa and the Middle East. The Indian Ocean itself is vital for global trade, with key chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab-el-Mandeb, and the Mozambique Channel controlling the movement of energy supplies and goods, perhaps the highest and largest movement of trade and military ships. To ensure stability in this region, in the backyard of India, it is crucial for India’s security and economic interests when China leaves no opportunity to take advantage and increase its sea print in the ocean.

It will not be wrong if we say that one of the biggest drivers behind India’s push to strengthen ties with Mauritius is China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean. Over the past two decades, Beijing has invested heavily in infrastructure projects and established diplomatic ties with island nations in the region. China’s first overseas military base in Djibouti, combined with extensive port investments in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives, and Africa, in the Indian Ocean, signals Beijing’s intent to expand its reach. Mauritius has also seen increasing Chinese engagement, particularly through economic partnerships and now through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). In 2017, Mauritius signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China to join the BRI. While China’s investments have brought trade and development opportunities to the region, they have also raised concerns in their own countries over increasing debt, as well as in India about Beijing’s long-term strategic ambitions. Now India reinforcing its partnership with Mauritius, and uplifting it to the enhanced strategic partnership will definitely give a strong long-arm strength to counterbalance. The visit also reaffirms India and Mauritius commitment to strengthening maritime security. India’s role as a security provider for Mauritius has grown steadily over the years.

India and Mauritius have agreed to work more closely on security at sea. They plan to increase joint patrols, improve how they watch over the ocean, and share information better. India has already given Mauritius ships, planes, and Coast Guard support to help monitor its large ocean territory. A big step in this partnership is India’s help in improving Mauritius’ maritime facilities. On Agaléga island, a new airstrip and jetty have been built with India’s support last year. Located about 1,100 km north of Mauritius, the island is in a key spot that allows India to monitor important sea routes. It drew worldwide attention. While both countries say the new airstrip and jetty are for civilian use, some believe they could also serve military purposes. India insists the upgrades are meant to improve infrastructure, support local development, and help during natural disasters. While both countries say these are for civilian use, they will also help Mauritius respond better to threats at sea. For India, this project, if needed, allows its navy to have a more substantial presence in the Indian Ocean, which is strategically important as and when required.

India’s relationship with Mauritius is not just about defence. India has given Mauritius about $1.1 billion to support its development in the last ten years, has helped in infrastructure leap for the country that helped important projects like the Metro Express, a modern train system that makes city travel easier, and the construction of key buildings like the Supreme Court and a new hospital. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his current visit, has promised to help build Mauritius’s new Parliament building. Prime Minister also invited the leadership of Mauritius to visit India. The follow-up is going to be several official visits of both countries to implement the eight MoUs signed in different fields between the two countries. It will definitely further strengthen India’s image as a reliable partner.

India’s strategy isn’t just limited to Mauritius. The Indian Ocean has become an important area where countries like China, European nations, Gulf states, Russia, Iran, and Turkey are all competing for its influence. India’s strength is that a huge portion of the coastal area opens directly into the Indian Ocean, and being naturally the security provider for most of the small Island countries in the Indian Ocean becomes necessary for the country for their trade and to keep away pirates, traffickers, smugglers, and terrorists using the sea route. India, as we have all known for more than a decade, is entirely focused on growing its strength and security at sea, especially as China expands its presence in the Indian Ocean.

India continues to build strong ties with other island nations like Seychelles, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. However, many times, India’s efforts have not gone smoothly. In 2020, a plan to build infrastructure on Assumption Island in Seychelles was blocked after local politics. In Sri Lanka, China’s investments in key ports and other infrastructures have made it harder for India to maintain influence. Similarly, in the Maldives, that struggles to maintain balance with India and China continues to allow China to have maritime projects and hence raised concerns for India.

During a recent visit, Modi launched an expanded version called “Vision MAHASAGAR,” aimed at improving trade, sharing technology, and strengthening security ties. As part of this, India and Mauritius signed an agreement to share real-time data to fight crimes like drug trafficking, human trafficking, and piracy — all growing threats in the Indian Ocean. India’s Vision SAGAR plan promotes security and economic growth for everyone in the region.

Modi’s visit to Mauritius has definitely achieved its goal to strengthen its position in the Indian Ocean. As China continues expanding its influence, India is deepening ties with key island nations to maintain balance in the region which is a must. By supporting economic development, strengthening security, and respecting cultural ties, India hopes to remain a trusted partner in the region. However, for India, one of the biggest challenges ahead will be to ensure that these investments bring real long-term benefits to the people of Mauritius and other island nations. By proving itself as a reliable and trusted ally, India can further strengthen trust and maintain its leadership in this crucial part of the world, for which India’s navy and coastal security will need more investment, growth, high-grade technology and infrastructure.

Author is National Editor,

Greater Kashmir