India and Mauritius have elevated their relationship to an ‘enhanced strategic partnership’ with eight agreements focused on trade and maritime security. PM Modi unveiled the ‘MAHASAGAR’ initiative for cooperative growth amid concerns over regional security. The agreements include support for MSME development, maritime data sharing, and a pledge to strengthen defence cooperation. Development projects have also been announced, highlighting the long-standing ties between the two nations.
India and Mauritius on Wednesday elevated their bilateral relationship to an ‘enhanced strategic partnership’ by signing eight agreements aimed at fostering cooperation across various sectors, including trade and maritime security. This action occurred during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Port Louis, where he presented a forward-looking vision for the Global South amidst growing concerns about China’s influence in the Indian Ocean region.
Among the key agreements signed are frameworks promoting the use of national currencies for cross-border transactions and a commitment to collaborate on maritime data sharing, combatting money laundering, and bolstering support for the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. On the concluding day of his visit, Modi attended Mauritius’ national day celebrations as the chief guest, also featuring an Indian armed forces contingent and naval participation.
In discussions with his counterpart Navinchandra Ramgoolam, PM Modi unveiled the ‘MAHASAGAR’ initiative, symbolizing “Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions,” aimed at enhancing defence and maritime cooperation to ensure a free, secure Indian Ocean. PM Modi affirmed, “We are committed to extend full cooperation in the security of Mauritius’ Exclusive Economic Zone.”
This new vision builds on PM Modi’s earlier ‘SAGAR’ policy from 2015, designed to advance India’s role in the Indian Ocean. The focus of MAHASAGAR will emphasize trade development, capacity building, and mutual security initiatives. Modi pledged further cooperation through technology sharing and concessional loans, including assistance for the construction of a new Parliament building in Mauritius.
Highlighting strategic collaboration, Modi assured support to Mauritius for enhancing its Coast Guard capabilities and establishing a police academy and a national maritime information sharing center. Additionally, he expressed respect for Mauritius’ sovereignty concerning the Chagos Islands, while acknowledging India’s backing for Mauritius in its negotiations with the UK regarding these territories.
PM Modi also reflected on the intrinsic partnership between India and Mauritius, stating, “We are each other’s partners on the path of economic and social progress… in every field.” He announced several developmental projects, including modernizing a 100-kilometer water pipeline and initiating new community development projects worth 500 million Mauritian rupees.
Additional initiatives noted include the provision of the “Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation,” as well as collaborative efforts in artificial intelligence and digital public infrastructure for human development. With a large Indian-origin population in Mauritius, which constitutes nearly 70 percent of its demographic, India has remained a principal trading partner since 2005, solidifying the close relationship between the two nations.
In conclusion, the strategic partnership between India and Mauritius has been significantly strengthened through the signing of various agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation across key sectors such as trade and maritime security. PM Modi’s new vision for the Global South, under the MAHASAGAR initiative, reflects a commitment to mutual growth and security, particularly in the face of external geopolitical pressures. The ongoing development projects and strategic cooperation signify a deepening relationship poised for future advancements in various domains, reinforcing their historical ties.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
