India strengthens strategic, economic, and security ties with Mauritius, reaffirming support for its sovereignty over Chagos and enhancing Indian Ocean cooperation.
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)
- Indian Ocean Priority: PM Narendra Modi emphasized a “free, open, secure, and safe” Indian Ocean as a common priority for India and Mauritius.
- Support for Chagos Sovereignty: India reaffirmed support for Mauritius’s sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, aligning with the UK-Mauritius agreement of 2024.
- Trade & Economic Cooperation:
- Agreement to settle trade issues through local currencies.
- India to launch development projects worth MUR 500 million.
- Security & Defence Cooperation:
- India to assist in establishing a Police Academy and National Maritime Information Sharing Centre in Mauritius.
- Commitment to protecting Mauritius’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
- Defence collaboration through regional forums like the Colombo Security Conclave and Indian Ocean Rim Association.
- Military Base at Diego Garcia:
- Agreement ensures unhindered operation of the Diego Garcia military base for 99 years.
- Cultural Ties:
- India to assist Mauritian travelers in Char Dham Yatra and Ramayana Trail.
- Honours & Agreements:
- Modi conferred Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean.
- Eight MoUs signed, including an agreement between India’s Enforcement Directorate and Mauritius’s Financial Crimes Commission.
Strategic Implications:
- Strengthens India’s Indian Ocean outreach and regional security cooperation.
- Enhances economic and trade ties with a key maritime neighbor.
- Reinforces India’s geopolitical stance against external influences in the Indian Ocean region.
