PM Modi’s visit to Mauritius: Elevating ties with a focus on holistic security and the Global South

PM Modi’s visit to Mauritius marks an important milestone not only in the bilateral relationship but also in India’s strategic approach towards Indian Ocean security and the Global South. Three important aspects were noticeable during PM Modi’s visit.

First, India elevated ties with Mauritius to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership. While PM Modi’s press statement underlined that defence and maritime cooperation are key pillars of the strategic partnership, India’s Foreign Secretary Misri pointed out that it was the first such partnership India had concluded with any nation in its neighbourhood.       

Second, India committed to providing every possible assistance for the security of the EEZ of Mauritius. This suggests that India could deploy its ships and aircraft when needed. India had assisted Mauritius to build a new runway and jetty on the Agalega islands. India assured assistance to the Mauritius Coast Guard for building its capabilities and establishing the National Maritime Information Sharing Centre in Mauritius.

To project India’s capabilities as the net security provider for the Indian Ocean, the Indian Navy’s formidable destroyer INS Imphal opened its decks for the Mauritians days after its arrival to coincide with the 57th National Day celebrations of Mauritius. The warship arrived in Port Louis on March 10 as part of a goodwill visit coinciding with the national day celebrations. It is the third of four Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class) indigenous destroyers, designed in-house by the Indian Navy and constructed by Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai. This step is necessary given the increasing forays of the Chinese Navy into the Indian Ocean and its efforts to have three “lifelines” in the region.     

 Third, PM Modi linked Mauritius as an important country for India’s outreach to the Global South. He unveiled a grand vision for security and growth for the Global South, an aspect that has become an essential part of India’s geostrategic approach. He announced that India’s new vision for the Global South called “MAHASAGAR” or “Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions” will bring growth security. PM Modi, explaining his concept of MAHSAGAR, stated that it encompasses the ideas of trade for development, capacity building for sustainable growth, and mutual security for a shared future.

Under this vision, India will extend cooperation through technology sharing, concessional loans, and grants. PM Modi highlighting the importance of Mauritius for the Global South stated that Mauritius is a bridge between India and the Global South. In 2015, Modi announced the concept of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) from Mauritius, reflecting that this nation occupies the central position in India’s concept of security for the region.   

Eight MoUs were signed for enhanced cooperation in existing and emerging sectors like space research, AI, digital health, ocean economy, pharmaceuticals, ICT, FinTech, Cyber security, maritime security, trade in national currencies and capacity building in maritime security.  People-centric initiatives were also undertaken. India announced a rupee-denominated line of credit amounting to Rs 487 for the replacement of water pipelines in Mauritius.

It is for the first time that India extended to any country a rupee-based credit line indicating special ties with this nation. India and Mauritius also agreed to facilitate trade settlements in local currencies, viz the Indian Rupee and Mauritian Rupee. Misri stated that its objective is to promote the use of local currencies for current account as well as capital account transactions, encourage direct exchange rate quotations, encourage the setting up of an Indian rupee clearing centre in Mauritius, and extend an Indian rupee clearing centre to COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) countries.

The two countries agreed to hold the second session of the High-Power Joint Trade Committee under the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) to further strengthen trade, economic cooperation, and partnership between the two nations.

 Over the past ten years, Mauritius has become a cornerstone of India’s wider maritime strategy that covers security, economic and ecological aspects. Our cultural relations with Mauritius are very strong. About 70% of the Mauritian population is of the Indian origin. It’s the political parties, despite their differences, desire close ties with India. It is remarkable to note that the Mauritius people are proud of links with India.

India supported Mauritius to regain sovereignty over Chagos Archipelago from the UK. India also helped Mauritius during the Covid pandemic and Cyclone Chido. Mauritius’ geographical location is strategically important for the security of the Indian Ocean.

Port Louis is the headquarters of the two largest Indian Ocean groupings-the Indian Ocean Commission and the Indian Ocean Rim Association. Strong ties with Mauritius are indeed necessary for India to achieve its geopolitical objectives. Both countries desire a free, open, secure, and safe Indian Ocean. The elevated strategic partnership between the two countries for this common strategic objective will be invaluable.