Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Mauritius highlighted a collaborative vision for a “free, open, secure, and safe” Indian Ocean. Key outcomes included India’s support for Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago, training initiatives for civil servants, trade in local currencies, and agreements enhancing maritime security. The visit reinforced strong bilateral ties and numerous development projects.
During a recent two-day state visit to Mauritius, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the necessity for a “free, open, secure, and safe” Indian Ocean, a joint priority for both India and Mauritius. He reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago, highlighting an agreement reached last year between the U.K. and Mauritius to transfer control of the archipelago after decades.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi announced the training of 500 Mauritian civil servants in India over the next five years and noted a new agreement for mutual trade settlement in local currency. He identified defense cooperation and maritime security as focal points of the strategic partnership between India and Mauritius, pledging comprehensive assistance to bolster the Mauritian Coast Guard.
Mr. Modi also assured that India would support establishing the Police Academy and the National Maritime Information Sharing Centre in Mauritius. He reiterated India’s commitment to advancing Mauritius’ position in the Chagos dispute through various security and economic forums while protecting Mauritius’ Exclusive Economic Zone.
This commitment gained further significance following the agreement reached on October 3, 2024, which granted Mauritius sovereignty over the Chagos Islands while allowing the U.K. to maintain military operations at the Diego Garcia base for 99 years. Before the trip, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reiterated India’s support for Mauritius’ claims regarding Chagos.
Highlighting cultural ties, Mr. Modi announced plans to assist Mauritian travelers with the Char Dham Yatra and the Ramayana Trail. He introduced new development projects worth 500 million Mauritian rupees under the bilateral partnership and revealed the sealing of eight memoranda of understanding, including provisions for trade facilitation through local currencies.
Prior to the meeting’s conclusion, Mr. Misri explained that the currency agreement aimed to enhance trade and tourism between India and Mauritius. He noted that the Reserve Bank of India and the Bank of Mauritius will need to implement the agreement, establishing systems to maximize its benefits.
Additionally, the two nations signed various agreements, including cooperation with the Enforcement Directorate and the Financial Crimes Commission of Mauritius. The agreement on sharing white shipping information was highlighted as crucial for increasing maritime security, providing real-time data sharing to combat illegal activities effectively.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius underscored a mutual commitment to promoting a secure Indian Ocean and strengthened diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between India and Mauritius. With significant agreements established, particularly regarding sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago and joint defense cooperation, both nations are poised to enhance their strategic partnership, benefiting regional security and bilateral trade.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
