The 2025 visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Mauritius made headlines in global news. Modi received Mauritius' highest honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean, suggesting a strong connection. This visit by a prime minister to another country raises questions about why the PM traveled to Mauritius, an island with little influence in world politics. Analyzing the relationship between these two countries will provide an answer to that question.
The Historic Connection
Mauritius is a subtropical island country in the Indian Ocean, just over 1,130 kilometers east of Madagascar, off the southeastern coast of Africa. Its outlying territories include Rodrigues Island and other smaller islands (The Commonwealth, n.d.). Conversely, India is a rising global power in the Asian region with more than 1.4 billion populations. Mauritius and India may not share the same status in the global arena. However, these two countries share a strong bond, rooted for ages. According to Sinha (2024),
after Mauritius became an English colony in 1810, approximately 470,000 Indians were sent to Mauritius as indentured labourers between 1834 and 1920 and this significantly impacted the sugar plantations. The human cargo was carried from Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. The people who migrated to Mauritius embarked on their new journey in Mauritius with a new identity but retained Indian values and cultures. As a result, out of the 1.2 million population in the country, 70% are of Indian origin.
In addition, in 1901, while traveling to South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi landed in Mauritius and advised the people to educate themselves and reclaim their identity. This message stayed with them and because of it, they celebrated their national day on the day Gandhi started his Dandi March also known as the Salt March on March 12.
After becoming an independent state in 1968, Seewoosagur Ramgoolam became the first prime minister of Mauritius, and his son, Navin Ramgoolam is the current prime minister. The connection between the two countries has not been reduced but expanded in many ways. This expansion has occurred in different sectors; Defense, Military and Strategy, Economy, Technology, and Capacity Building.
a. Defense, Military and Strategic Partnership
In 1974, the two countries signed a defense agreement, making India and Mauritius strategic partners. To date, India guarantees Mauritius’ security showcasing a powerful bond. The backing of India has been evident on several occasions. In 1983, there was a rumour about a coup by the MMM (Mauritius Military Movement), and even though it never occurred, it was believed that the then PM, Indira Gandhi wanted to send Indian troops to the country. In 2024, India welcomed the UK-Mauritius agreement for Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago, which houses a US-UK military base, and Modi reiterated India’s “firm support” for Mauritius on this issue (Parashar, 2025).
In his recent visit to Mauritius, Modi again confirmed that India will support Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos Island following the statement made by US President Trump that he would support a deal between Mauritius and Great Britain over the future of the United States-United Kingdom base in the Islands. It can thus be understood how India has always been a country that supports Mauritius in protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity proving to be a friend in need.
Additionally, the Indian Prime Minister also unveiled "Vision MAHASAGAR – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions” for the Global South which vision builds upon the foundation of the earlier "Vision SAGAR" (Security and Growth for All in the Region) that encompasses principles of trade for development, capacity building for sustainable growth, and mutual security for a shared future (Laskar, 2024).
Furthermore, since 2009, the Indian Navy has been deploying ships to Mauritius bi-annually to assist in patrolling the vast EEZ of the island country. The joint patrolling focuses on preventing piracy and illegal fishing and helps reinforce maritime security in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Mauritius (Padmaja, 2017). As reported in Firstpost (2024), since the EEZ in Mauritius extends up to 2.3 million square kilometers and is difficult to monitor, India built an airstrip costing $250 million in Agalega Islands after signing a memorandum in 2015. The airstrip is 3km long and is suitable for Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Anti-Submarine Warfare (LRMR-ASW) aircraft which are used for maritime surveillance and strike, electronic warfare missions, and search and rescue missions. This will ultimately assist them with their goal to combat contemporary non-traditional security threats such as piracy, drug trafficking, and terrorism.
In this manner, Mauritius has the security and defense backing from one of the rising global powers in the world. From India’s side, they are capable of protecting Mauritius as well as countering any non-traditional security threats and constructing the influence from China coming into the country.
b. Economic Partnership
Mauritius being an island nation, has grown to be a nation with significant status after its independence in 1968. Being a small state, the country mainly depends on many sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, construction, financial services, and agriculture. Due to the shared history, India has been supporting Mauritius to achieve their targeted economic goals, and is one of the major players and drivers of Mauritius’ economy.
India’s support in successfully implementing several infrastructure projects, such as India-Mauritius Metro Express Project, New Supreme Court Building, New ENT Hospital, 956 Social Housing Units, and Educational Tablets, showcases the bond between the two countries developed over time and India has overall invested $1.1 billion in Mauritian projects (Government of India, 2025).
As Singh (2023) points out, Mauritius has emerged as a significant source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in India, and with the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) India aims to streamline taxation, reduce complexity, and gradually eliminate tax exemptions. By enhancing the taxation framework, India aims to create a fair and conducive environment for foreign investors while promoting economic growth and investment in the country. It is apparent that this has contributed to Mauritius' emergence as a significant financial hub in the global market.
Further strengthening bilateral economic ties, the two countries have also signed the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA). The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA), signed in 2021, marked India’s first trade agreement with an African country. This agreement further solidified the bilateral relationship and paved the way for increased trade between the two nations. In the fiscal year 2021-2022, the total trade between India and Mauritius amounted to $ 786.72 million, with significant growth witnessed over the past 15 years (Singh, 2023). The CECPA encompasses a wide variety of areas, including Trade in Goods and Services, Rules of Origin, Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures, Dispute Settlement, Movement of Natural Persons, Telecom, Financial services and Custom procedures.
The initiatives demonstrate the effort by both countries to foster mutually beneficial economic cooperation. They also highlight how strategic partnerships like India and Mauritius can drive sustainable economic growth in their respective nations.
c. Technology Partnership
Within the technological parameters, India assists Mauritius in many ways, especially in people-centric digitalization. India has supported the implementation of the e-judiciary system, and digitization of archives and records at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, strengthening cooperation in the field of ICT including cyber security, Digital Public Infrastructure, and capacity building for the same, and explore the implementation of successful digital tools developed by India, such as PM Gati Shakti digital platform, as per Mauritius’ requirements.
Similarly, since 1986, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), India's national space agency, has operated a satellite tracking system in Mauritius which helps India guide its missions in space. The press release by the High Commission of India, in Port Louis, Mauritius (2009), states that ‘The Government of India may assist in the training of scientists and technicians, upon request from Mauritius, at various facilities under the Department of Space in the use of remote sensing data in applications relevant to Mauritius. Moreover, the Government of India may also provide, upon request, technical assistance for the establishment of a remote sensing cell or unit in Mauritius, selection of equipment and training of staff, and operationalization of the Station, and that a Mauritian scientist shall be attached to the TTC Station.’ This exhibits Indian presence in Mauritius for a considerable period. Thus, it can be noted that both countries share a genuine connection that expands in many areas.
d. Capacity Building
Strengthening bilateral relationships between the two countries, capacity building is one aspect that both these countries focus on. Capacity building encompasses many actors. For instance, Public Service and Administration, Diplomacy, Trade and Commerce, Finance, Infrastructure, and Health.
As reported by the India News Network (2024), during the visit to India in 2024, officials from both sides discussed opportunities for collaboration, particularly focusing on enhancing the administrative capabilities of Mauritian public officers through capacity-building programs and faculty development initiatives. Moreover, out of the 8 agreements that were exchanged between Mauritius and India in the recent visit in 2025, the two countries focused on other important aspects such as diplomacy, commerce, and trade. According to the Government of Mauritius (2025), an MoU was signed between the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service in New Delhi, India, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of the Republic of Mauritius, for the exchange of information on the structure and content of training program for diplomats and another MoU between the Ministry of Industry, SME and Cooperatives and the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises of the Republic of India was signed to develop micro, small and medium enterprises in the respective countries.
In addition, the launching of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) can be considered as one of the key steps in strengthening the banking and finance systems in Mauritius and it will also create not only a connection between the two countries but also trust. This new payment infrastructure will enable customers of participating banks to make seamless and secure payments both in Mauritius and in India. RuPay cards issued in Mauritius will be accepted at ATM and Point of Sales (POS) terminals in India, and Indians will be able to make UPI QR transactions at participating merchants in Mauritius. Commenting on this new payment service, the Governor of the Bank of Mauritius, Harvesh Kumar Seegolam, stated that "the launch of the RuPay and UPI linkage between Mauritius and India marks a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance financial connectivity and promote digital transactions. This collaboration will not only facilitate seamless and secure cost-effective payments for our customers but also strengthen the economic ties between our two nations." (Bank of Mauritius, 2024)
In terms of infrastructure, India has assisted in contributing to the implementation of several development projects in Mauritius. During the recent visit to Mauritius, both leaders agreed to work towards timely delivery of 100-electric buses and the associated charging infrastructure, implement Phase II of High Impact Community Development Projects, finalize discussions on the new Parliament building on a site to be identified by Mauritius, and conclude framework understanding to implement this project with India’s grant assistance, finalize discussion on the redevelopment of the Ganga Talao Spiritual Sanctuary and conclude framework understanding to implement this project with India’s grant assistance and explore new areas of development cooperation, as per the needs and priorities of Mauritius.
Apart from the above initiatives, the two countries have collaborated in the health sector as well. As reported by the Economic Times (2024), India launched their first overseas Jan Aushadi Kendra in Mauritius. Chandna (2024) noted that the scheme is promoted as an affordable medicines scheme by the Modi government where they offer generic drugs priced 50-90% lower than their branded counterparts in the market and Mauritius has shared a list of 16 therapeutic areas based on which the stock of drugs is being prepared such as cancer, anti-diabetic, antibiotics, nervous system, urology, painkillers, antifungal drugs, and supplements.
Conclusion
The connection between India and Mauritius dates back many decades, and from the examples mentioned, we can see how these two countries have developed and expanded their ties across many sectors. Like any other relationship, the connection between these two countries encounters challenges. For instance, there is a rise in geopolitical influence in the region, and balancing the interests of superpowers like the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and China is an important and challenging task not only for Mauritius but also for India. Consequently, maritime security threats and challenges will increase due to the region's importance and the strategic location of Mauritius.
Furthermore, there is a rise in non-traditional security threats globally, such as climate change and cybersecurity threats, that could jeopardize the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries. Additionally, balancing ethnic engagement within Mauritius, given its significant population of Indian origin, will affect decision-making by the government of Mauritius. Such challenges will arise from rapid regional and global changes, but it is the responsibility of both countries to reach a common agreement and work toward a shared vision for the future that brings mutually beneficial outcomes for both nations.
References
Angel One. (2024, May 11). India-Mauritius sign 8 MoUs covering banking, security, trade. Retrieved from https://www.angelone.in/news/india-mauritius-sign-8-mous-covering-banking-security-trade
Bank of Mauritius. (2024, February 12). Media Release: Mauritius and India Launch RuPay and Unified Payments Interface Linkage. https://www.bom.mu/media/media-releases/media-release-mauritius-and-india-launch-rupay-and-unified-payments-interface-linkage
BBC News. (2024, October 9). Mauritius country profile. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13882233
Firstpost. (2024, March 1). Mauritius Inaugurates New Airstrip Made by India | Vantage with Palki Sharma. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/Xq2WlhAVgpE?si=zu0-6fhKhvnewGBh
Firstpost. (2025, March 11). PM Modi in Mauritius: Why the Island Nation is Crucial to India | Vantage with Palki Sharma. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/902Tl5MIeco?si=oCYcxgavlcfl0mpi
Government of India. (2025, March 12). India-Mauritius Joint Vision for an Enhanced Strategic Partnership. https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/india-mauritius-joint-vision-for-an-enhanced-strategic-partnership/
Government of Mauritius. (2025). State Visit – Mauritius and India reinvigorate bilateral ties through exchange of MoUs. https://govmu.org/EN/newsgov/SitePages/State-Visit--Mauritius-and-India-reinvigorate-bilateral-ties-through-exchange-of-MoUs.aspx
High Commission of India, Port Louis, Mauritius. (2009, July 29). Signing of the Agreement on Co-operation for the Establishment of Telemetry, Tracking and Telecommand Station for Satellites and Launch Vehicles and for Co-operation in the Fields of Space Research, Science and Applications between India and Mauritius. 1 [Press release]. High Commission of India, Port Louis, Mauritius. Retrieved from https://hcimauritius.gov.in/press?id=zbq2d
High Commission of India, Port Louis. (2025, March 21). India Mauritius Bilateral Brief. Retrieved from https://hcimauritius.gov.in/pages?id=9avme&subid=yb8md&nextid=RdG7d
India News Network. (2024, September 26). India-Mauritius talks for capacity building programme: A step forward in bilateral cooperation. Retrieved from https://www.indianewsnetwork.com/en/20240926/india-mauritius-talks-for-capacity-building-programme-a-step-forward-in-bilateral-cooperation
Laskar R. (2024, March 13). India, Mauritius ink slew of pacts, upgrade def ties. Hindustan Times. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-mauritius-ink-slew-of-pacts-upgrade-def-ties-101741804403822.html
Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. (2025, March 12). India-Mauritius Joint Vision for an Enhanced Strategic Partnership. https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/39159
Ministry of External Affairs. (2025, March 12). India-Mauritius Joint Vision for an Enhanced Strategic Partnership. Retrieved from https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/39159/IndiaMauritius+Joint+Vision+for+an+Enhanced+Strategic+Partnership+March+12+2025
Padmaja, G. (2024, December 22). India and Mauritius cooperating to ensure collective maritime security. National Maritime Foundation. Retrieved from https://maritimeindia.org/india-and-mauritius-cooperating-to-ensure-collective-maritime-security/
Parashar, S. (2025, March 13). Sagar to Mahasagar: India upgrades Mauritius ties. The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sagar-to-mahasagar-india-upgrades-mauritius-ties/articleshow/118953086.cms
Rao, A. (2025, January 24). India clarifies tax treaties with Mauritius, Cyprus, and Singapore. India Briefing. Retrieved from https://www.india-briefing.com/news/india-clarifies-tax-treaties-with-mauritius-cyprus-and-singapore-35933.html/
Singh, A. (2023, May 30). India-Mauritius Partnership: Exploring Collaboration Opportunities for Mutual Growth. Invest India. https://www.investindia.gov.in/team-india-blogs/india-mauritius-partnership-opportunities-collaboration-and-growth
Sinha, A. (2024, June 30). When and why Indians migrated as 'new slaves' all over the world. The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/when-and-why-indians-migrated-as-new-slaves-all-over-the-world/articleshow/111328608.cms
The Commonwealth. (n.d.). Mauritius. Retrieved March 23, 2025, from https://thecommonwealth.org/our-member-countries/mauritius
The Hindu. (2024, March 12). PM Modi receives Mauritius’ highest award. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pm-modi-receives-mauritius-highest-award/article69321371.ece
