India and Mauritius Strengthen Bilateral Relations through Strategic Partnership

India and Mauritius strengthened their ties, creating an ‘enhanced strategic partnership’ and signing eight pacts to foster cooperation in trade and maritime security. PM Narendra Modi unveiled the “MAHASAGAR” vision for the Global South, focusing on mutual growth and defense collaboration. The partnership aims to boost economic and security relations, acknowledging historical ties and recent developments in the Indian Ocean region.

On Wednesday, India and Mauritius advanced their relations to an ‘enhanced strategic partnership,’ signing eight agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in various domains, such as trade and maritime security. Prime Minister Narendra Modi articulated an ambitious vision for the Global South during his visit, highlighting the importance of mutual support and collaboration.

The new agreements facilitate the use of national currencies in cross-border trade, data sharing on maritime activities, collaborative efforts against money laundering, and enhanced cooperation in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. PM Modi participated in national day celebrations in Mauritius, emphasizing the significance of defense cooperation and maritime security in this enhanced partnership during discussions with his counterpart Navinchandra Ramgoolam.

PM Modi presented the new vision for the Global South, termed “MAHASAGAR”—representing ‘Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions’—to counteract China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean. He reiterated that ensuring a free and secure Indian Ocean is a priority for both nations.

Reflecting on previous commitments, PM Modi expressed continuity from the SAGAR policy announced in 2015, emphasizing the expansion of security cooperation and shared economic responsibilities under the new framework. The Prime Minister assured full support for Mauritius in securing its Exclusive Economic Zone and expressed intentions of providing assistance in developing maritime capabilities and law enforcement training.

India’s historical commitment to supporting Mauritius on sovereignty matters over the Chagos Islands was reaffirmed, particularly after the UK announced its intent to hand over control. PM Modi acknowledged the Mauritian government’s renewed demands for negotiations regarding the agreement with the UK.

Enhanced Strategic Partnership status was ascribed to the ties between India and Mauritius, highlighting their mutual journeys toward progress across various sectors, including education, health, and infrastructure. Notably, PM Modi announced development projects to modernize water pipelines and facilitate digital and infrastructural advancements.

Further collaboration includes the establishment of essential projects like the “Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation,” with a keen interest in enhancing people-to-people connections. Plans for facilitating pilgrimage tours for Mauritian nationals in India, including the Char Dham Yatra, were also mentioned, reflecting the deep-rooted cultural ties between the nations.

With a significant population of Indian origin in Mauritius, these strong bilateral ties have been critical since 2005, positioning India as one of the nation’s primary trading partners.

In summary, the recent elevation of India-Mauritius relations to an ‘enhanced strategic partnership’ signifies a robust commitment to collaborative growth, emphasizing trade, maritime security, and mutual cooperation. The establishment of agreements covering various sectors, including finance and defense, underlines the strength of their longstanding relationship. Overall, strong cultural ties and shared interests in an open and secure Indian Ocean further enhance the partnership, reflecting on economic collaboration and mutual assistance for future development initiatives.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com