22nd March 2025 (35 Topics)
1
Mar
3
Mar
4
Mar
5
Mar
6
Mar
7
Mar
8
Mar
10
Mar
11
Mar
12
Mar
13
Mar
14
Mar
15
Mar
17
Mar
18
Mar
19
Mar
20
Mar
21
Mar
22
Mar
24
Mar
25
Mar
26
Mar
India-Mauritius Relations
Context
India’s evolving role in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has become a key pillar of its foreign policy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius (March 11-12, 2025) and the announcement of the MAHASAGAR doctrine highlight India’s increasing maritime ambitions.
Why Indian Ocean Region (IOR)?
- IOR is the center of India’s maritime vision, balancing China’s BRI and expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific.
- Trade and Energy Security: Over 80% of global trade by volume passes through the Indian Ocean.
- Strategic Competition: The IOR is witnessing growing rivalry, especially between India and China.
- China’s Expansion: Through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has built infrastructure across the region, increasing its economic and military influence.
- India’s Response – “Necklace of Diamonds” Strategy: India is countering China’s influence by:
- Strengthening strategic partnerships with IOR nations.
- Investing in ports and naval diplomacy to maintain a strong presence.
- Enhancing defence and economic ties with key countries like Mauritius, Seychelles, and Maldives.
India’s strategic presence in the IOR & Indo-Pacific
- India aligns with QUAD principles (US, Japan, Australia, India) to ensure freedom of navigation and maritime security.
- Supports Diego Garcia base while recognizing Mauritius’s sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago.
- Expanding regional outreach through port infrastructure, naval exercises, and crisis response (e.g., Cyclone Chido aid to Mauritius).
India’s Maritime Strategy (MAHASAGAR vs. SAGAR)
|
Policy |
Announced by |
Key focus |
| SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) |
2015 (Modi’s visit to Mauritius) |
Promoted peace, security, and regional cooperation. |
| MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) |
2025 (Modi’s visit to Mauritius) |
Broader focus, extending India’s influence from IOR to Indo-Pacific in alignment with QUAD. |
India-Mauritius Relations
- Strategic Partnership
- Mauritius is key to India’s maritime security and influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- India has helped develop Agaléga Island for maritime surveillance and set up coastal radar stations. It also supports Mauritius’s claim over the Chagos Archipelago, while ensuring regional security.
- Mauritius is part of the Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) and the Colombo Security Conclave, further strengthening security ties.
- India provides coast guard ships, maritime patrol aircraft, and training to Mauritius.
- Plans to establish a National Maritime Information Sharing Centre.
- Economic Cooperation
- Bilateral trade grew from USD 206 million (2005-06) to USD 851 million (2023-24).
- Mauritius is India’s 2nd largest source of FDI (USD 7.97 billion in 2023-24) thanks in part to the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).
- Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) signed in 2021 – India’s first trade deal with an African nation.
Courses
Study
Notes
Home
Resources
More
