India and Mauritius have signed eight key MoUs to enhance their bilateral ties, marking the commencement of an ‘enhanced strategic partnership’. The agreements encompass sectors such as trade, maritime security, and economic cooperation, highlighting India’s vision for the Global South and mutual development. Prime Minister Modi stressed support for Mauritius’ maritime capabilities and addressed sovereignty issues surrounding the Chagos Islands.
India and Mauritius have taken significant steps to enhance their bilateral relations by establishing an ‘enhanced strategic partnership’ and signing eight key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). These agreements aim to bolster cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade and maritime security, amidst Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for promoting the Global South. The recent agreements facilitate the use of national currencies in cross-border transactions, maritime data sharing, collaborative efforts against money laundering, and support for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.
During his two-day visit to Port Louis, Modi celebrated Mauritius’ national day as the chief guest, accompanied by a contingent of Indian armed forces and naval support. His discussions with Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam culminated in the introduction of a new vision termed “MAHASAGAR” (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), strategically countering China’s influence in the Indian Ocean and emphasizing the shared priorities of regional security and maritime cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to ensuring the security of Mauritius’ Exclusive Economic Zone while stressing the importance of defence cooperation. This new direction builds on Modi’s previous policy, SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), by offering additional cooperative measures, including technology sharing, concessional loans, and planning to assist in building a new parliament for Mauritius.
Modi expressed India’s support for enhancing Mauritius’ maritime capabilities, including assistance for establishing a police academy and maritime information-sharing center. Furthermore, discussions also encompassed addressing the sovereignty issues surrounding the Chagos Islands, with India backing Mauritius’ negotiating position with the UK on this matter.
The designation of Enhanced Strategic Partnership encapsulates the historic ties and mutual assistance shared between India and Mauritius. Prime Minister Modi highlighted various development projects that would be funded by India, including modernization of water pipelines and community projects worth 500 million Mauritian rupees. He noted the facilitation of local currency trade, alongside various infrastructural projects that promise socio-economic benefits for the island nation.
Additionally, Modi emphasized the importance of cultural ties, proposing initiatives in artificial intelligence and digital public infrastructure to enhance human development. This partnership stems largely from the deep-rooted historical connections, with Indian-origin individuals making up a majority of Mauritius’ population, further binding the two nations in a shared economic and social future.
The recent agreements between India and Mauritius mark a significant advancement in their diplomatic relations, focusing on economic cooperation, security, and mutual development. With the signing of eight MoUs, the countries aim to enhance various sectors, including trade, maritime security, and sustainable growth. This partnership underlines India’s commitment to supporting Mauritius in addressing regional challenges and fostering closer ties with a focus on utilizing shared resources and cultural bonds for mutual benefit.
Original Source: www.news18.com
