Modi Calls for a Free, Secure Indian Ocean During Mauritius Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his state visit to Mauritius, stressed the significance of a free and secure Indian Ocean and pledged India’s support for Mauritius’s sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago. The visit included the signing of key agreements promoting local currency trade and defense cooperation, along with initiatives to enhance maritime security. Cultural ties and development projects were also discussed, strengthening bilateral relations between India and Mauritius.

During a recent two-day state visit to Mauritius, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of a “free, open, secure, and safe” Indian Ocean, reaffirming it as a mutual priority for India and Mauritius. Speaking alongside Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Mr. Modi expressed India’s steadfast support for Mauritius’s sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago, highlighting an agreement reached with the United Kingdom to transfer sovereignty after decades.

Mr. Modi outlined India’s commitment to enhancing cooperation, announcing the training of 500 Mauritian civil servants in India over the next five years and agreeing on mutual trade settlements in local currencies. He underscored the significance of defense cooperation and maritime security as vital components of the strategic partnership between the two nations, promising assistance for Mauritius’s Coast Guard and efforts to establish a Police Academy and a National Maritime Information Sharing Centre.

He reiterated India’s dedication to protecting Mauritius’s Exclusive Economic Zone, which gained attention during negotiations with the U.K. concerning the Chagos Islands. An agreement from October 3, 2024, granted Mauritius sovereignty over the Chagos islands while ensuring the operation of the Diego Garcia military base for the ensuing 99 years, fulfilling Mauritius’s long-standing aspirations.

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reaffirmed support for Mauritius’s claims over the Chagos archipelago prior to Mr. Modi’s visit. The Prime Minister also illustrated the cultural ties between India and Mauritius by announcing support for Mauritian pilgrims on the Char Dham Yatra and the Ramayana Trail, alongside launching new development projects valued at 500 million Mauritian rupees.

The visit concluded with the signing of eight memoranda of understanding, including provisions for trade issues to be settled in local currencies. Mr. Misri elaborated on the agreement’s goals to promote local currency usage and pave the way for an Indian rupee clearing center in Mauritius, aiming to bolster trade and tourism between the two countries. The enforcement agreement between the Enforcement Directorate and Mauritius’s Financial Crimes Commission was also signed during this visit, enhancing bilateral cooperation.

Mr. Misri articulated that the agreement on sharing white shipping information will enhance maritime domain awareness and security for Mauritius, providing real-time data to safeguard trade and deter illegal activities in the maritime domain. Such initiatives signify a collaborative effort toward strengthening relations and ensuring the stability and safety of the Indian Ocean region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius marked significant advancements in bilateral relations, emphasizing a collective focus on a secure Indian Ocean. The reaffirmation of Mauritius’s sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago and the establishment of strategic agreements underscore a commitment to mutual cooperation in trade and maritime security. With cultural ties and practical initiatives, the partnership is poised for growth, enhancing economic and security dimensions in the region.

Original Source: www.thehindu.com