Modi’s Visit to Mauritius: Strengthening Maritime Security and Bilateral Relations
Prime Minister Modi’s two-day visit to Mauritius highlighted India’s commitment to a secure Indian Ocean and support for Mauritius over the Chagos archipelago. Key agreements included training programs for civil servants, local currency trade, defense cooperation, and cultural exchange initiatives. This visit deepened bilateral ties and enhanced Mauritius’ maritime security.
During a recent visit to Mauritius, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the mutual commitment of India and Mauritius to ensuring a “free, open, secure, and safe” Indian Ocean. Speaking alongside Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Mr. Modi underscored India’s support for Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago, following an agreement facilitated by the United Kingdom that aims to restore ownership of the islands to Mauritius after many years of dispute.
Mr. Modi announced that India would train five hundred Mauritian civil servants over the next five years and facilitate trade agreements using local currency. The discussions underlined the significance of defense cooperation and maritime security as critical components of the strategic partnership between the two nations. Additionally, Mr. Modi expressed India’s readiness to aid in establishing a Police Academy and a National Maritime Information Sharing Centre in Mauritius.
The attention to Mauritius’ Exclusive Economic Zone was heightened during U.K.-Mauritius discussions over the Chagos islands. An agreement reached allows for Mauritius to establish sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, while still permitting operations at the Diego Garcia military base for an extended period of nearly a century. Mr. Modi reaffirmed India’s dedication to protecting Mauritius’ maritime interests.
The cultural ties between India and Mauritius were further highlighted, with PM Modi offering support for Mauritian travelers participating in the Char Dham Yatra and the Ramayana Trail. He also announced new developmental initiatives amounting to approximately 500 million Mauritian rupees, strengthening bilateral relations. Eight memoranda of understanding were signed, including one aimed at facilitating trade through local currencies.
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri detailed the objectives behind the currency agreement, which include promoting local currencies in various transactions and establishing an Indian rupee clearing center in Mauritius. He cited the collaborative efforts of the Reserve Bank of India and the Bank of Mauritius in implementing the agreement. Additionally, a significant agreement for sharing white shipping information was signed, aimed at enhancing maritime security in Mauritius by improving real-time data sharing to combat illegal activities.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Mauritius reinforced the shared priorities of both nations concerning maritime security and economic cooperation. Key agreements focused on training, local currency trade, and defense collaboration exemplified the commitment to enhancing bilateral relations. The reaffirmation of India’s support for Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago marked a pivotal moment in international diplomacy concerning the region, promising improved trade and cultural exchange.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
