India and Mauritius Strengthen Ties with Eight New Agreements
India and Mauritius have upgraded their relations to an ‘enhanced strategic partnership’ by signing eight agreements, focusing on trade, maritime security, and cooperation in various sectors. Prime Minister Modi unveiled ‘MAHASAGAR’, a vision for the Global South to counter China’s influence. Both leaders pledged mutual support in security and development, highlighting a commitment to regional stability and economic growth.
On Wednesday, India and Mauritius elevated their bilateral relationship to an ‘enhanced strategic partnership’ through the signing of eight agreements aimed at fostering cooperation across various sectors. The agreements focus on trade, maritime security, the promotion of national currencies in cross-border transactions, and the collaborative fight against money laundering. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Port Louis also included participation in the national day celebrations as the chief guest, showcasing India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Mauritius.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi articulated a new vision for the Global South named “MAHASAGAR” (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). This vision seeks to destabilize China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean and emphasizes the need for defense cooperation and maritime security, which PM Modi characterized as common priorities for both nations. He committed to ensuring complete cooperation for the security of Mauritius’ Exclusive Economic Zone.
The new vision builds on the previous SAGAR policy (Security and Growth for All in the Region) announced during Modi’s 2015 visit. Modi highlighted that the advancement of this vision would focus on trade for development, capacity building, and mutual security through technology sharing and concessional funding. Notably, he announced cooperation in the construction of the new Parliament building in Mauritius, symbolizing goodwill.
Addressing the strategic cooperation, PM Modi pledged comprehensive support for Mauritius’ Coast Guard and assistance in establishing a police academy and a national maritime information sharing center. He reaffirmed India’s respect for Mauritius’ sovereignty concerning the Chagos Islands, asserting India’s backing for Mauritius’ negotiations with the UK to address the long-standing sovereignty issue.
In remarks made during the meeting, PM Modi characterized the relationship between India and Mauritius as a partnership in economic and social progress, citing mutual support during crises such as natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that in the past decade, the two countries have expanded their cooperation in several new sectors, achieving notable successes in development and capacity-building initiatives.
Prime Minister Modi outlined several projects funded by India, including modernization of Mauritius’ water pipeline and various infrastructure projects worth 500 million Mauritian rupees. He elaborated on projects designed to enhance public services, such as the metro express, a supreme court building, social housing, a specialized ENT hospital, and initiatives to promote tourism, including digital payment systems.
Furthermore, PM Modi emphasized the importance of people-to-people connections, proposing collaboration in the use of artificial intelligence and digital public infrastructure for human development. He mentioned plans to facilitate travel for Indians and Mauritius’ citizens to spiritual sites in India, reinforcing the cultural ties between the nations. As a key trading partner, India has maintained long-standing relations with Mauritius, significantly due to its Indian-origin population, which constitutes nearly 70% of the island’s 1.2 million residents.
In conclusion, the elevation of India-Mauritius ties to an ‘enhanced strategic partnership’ signifies a robust commitment to collaboration across diverse areas, including trade and security. The agreements and initiatives presented during Prime Minister Modi’s visit reflect a shared vision for regional stability and growth, emphasizing mutual cooperation against external influences. The endeavors in infrastructure, capacity building, and cultural exchange underscore the depth of their historical relations, positioning both nations for future progress and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
