India and Mauritius not just partners but a family: Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hosting Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Varanasi, highlighted that India and Mauritius are “not just partners but a family,” emphasizing their deep civilizational and cultural links. He reiterated that both countries share the goal of ensuring a stable, prosperous, free, and secure Indian Ocean.
Several key agreements and initiatives were announced:
- A special economic package for Mauritius to boost infrastructure, jobs, and healthcare.
- Establishment of the first Jan Aushadhi Kendra outside India in Mauritius.
- Cooperation in setting up an AYUSH Centre of Excellence, a 500-bed hospital, a veterinary school, and an animal hospital.
- MoUs in science and technology, oceanographic research, power sector, and Phase 2 of small development projects.
- Collaboration on a hydrography project for navigation charts and surveys of Mauritius’ EEZ.
- Education and research partnerships, including IIT-Madras and University of Mauritius collaborations.
- Introduction of Mission Karmayogi training modules in Mauritius.
India–Mauritius Relations: A Note
Historical and Cultural Ties
- Mauritius has deep-rooted cultural and civilisational links with India, with over 68% of its population of Indian origin (mostly descendants of indentured labourers from the 19th century).
- Indian languages, traditions, and festivals remain central to Mauritian society.
- Mauritius is often described as India’s “extended family” in the Indian Ocean region.
Political and Strategic Dimension
- India and Mauritius enjoy warm diplomatic relations; Mauritius consistently supports India in global forums.
- Strategic cooperation is vital given Mauritius’s location in the Indian Ocean, making it central to India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)
- Mauritius has been a beneficiary of India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and Indian Ocean outreach.
Economic and Developmental Partnership
- India provides significant development assistance to Mauritius, including concessional credit, infrastructure projects, and healthcare support.
- Mauritius is a key partner in India’s trade and investment, with historical importance as a source of FDI inflows into India.
- Recent initiatives include digital cooperation, capacity building, renewable energy, and small development projects.
Defence and Security Cooperation
- Both countries conduct joint naval exercises and cooperate in maritime security.
- India assists Mauritius with patrol vessels, surveillance aircraft, hydrography, and capacity building for its security forces.
- Partnership helps safeguard against piracy, illegal fishing, and other maritime threats.
Education and People-to-People Links
- Indian institutions collaborate with Mauritian universities in research and innovation.
- Mauritius is a popular destination for Indian students and professionals.
- Scholarships and training programs strengthen cultural and educational ties
