India, Mauritius Deepen Trade, Security Ties; PM Modi Unveils 'Mahasagar Vision'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that ensuring a free, open, secure, and safe Indian Ocean remains a shared priority for India and Mauritius. Following discussions with his Mauritian counterpart Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Modi highlighted the significance of defence cooperation and maritime security in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations.

"We are committed to extend full cooperation in the security of Mauritius' Exclusive Economic Zone," he stated in a press statement.

On Wednesday, India and Mauritius elevated their ties to an "enhanced strategic partnership", marking a significant step in their bilateral relations. The two countries also signed eight agreements, aimed at bolstering collaboration across various sectors, including trade and maritime security.

Modi outlined a comprehensive vision for advancing development across the Global South, underscoring India's commitment to fostering regional growth and stability.

Notably, in 2015, the Indian prime minister had unveiled the SAGAR or Security and Growth for All in the Region policy during his visit to Mauritius. The policy formed the bedrock for India's engagement with the Indian Ocean Region.

"We have taken the SAGAR vision forward for the stability and prosperity of this entire region. Today, taking it forward, I would like to say that our vision for the Global South will be, beyond SAGAR — (it will be) MAHASAGAR that is 'Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions'," he said.

Modi said the new approach will focus on the spirit of trade for development, capacity building for sustainable growth, and mutual security for a shared future.

"Under this, cooperation will be ensured through technology sharing, concessional loans and grants."

Additionally, the agreements inked between the two countries will provide for promoting the use of national currencies for cross-border transactions, sharing of maritime data, joint work in combating money laundering and enhancing cooperation in the micro, small and medium enterprises sector.

On the second and final day of his two-day trip to Port Louis, Modi attended the national day celebrations of Mauritius as the chief guest.

A contingent of Indian armed forces also participated in the celebrations along with a warship of the Indian Navy and the Akash Ganga skydiving team of the Indian Air Force.

Delving into strategic cooperation between the two nations, Modi, in his press statement, said every possible help will be provided to Mauritius to help it meet the needs of its Coast Guard and that New Delhi will assist in the establishment of a police academy and national maritime information sharing centre in the country.

"Cooperation on white shipping, blue economy and hydrography will be strengthened. We fully respect Mauritius' sovereignty in the context of Chagos," he said.

India has been supporting the island nation in its efforts to reach a mutually beneficial deal with the UK over the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean.

In October last year, the UK announced its decision to hand over the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after more than half a century under a historic agreement.

Under the deal, sealed during the tenure of previous Mauritian PM Pravind Jugnauth, the UK would give up sovereignty over the Chagos Islands but would maintain a 99-year lease over the UK-US military airbase on the largest island, Diego Garcia.

Modi also announced several development projects to be implemented in Mauritius with India's assistance. Work will be done to modernise the 100-kilometer-long water pipeline, he said.

In the second phase of community development projects, new projects worth 500 million Mauritian rupees would be started, he added.

The two countries have also agreed to settle mutual trade in local currencies, Modi said.

The prime minister also mentioned various India-assisted projects in the island nation that includes the rollout of UPI and Rupay Card to promote business and tourism.

Modi and Ramgoolam also dedicated to Mauritius the "Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation".

The prime minister also touched upon the people-to-people connection between the two nations.

"We will work together for the use of AI (artificial intelligence) and DPI, which is digital public infrastructure in human development," Modi said.

"For the people of Mauritius, facilities will be provided for Char Dham Yatra and Ramayana trail in India. India has close and longstanding relations with Mauritius, an island nation in the Western Indian Ocean," he said.

Notably, Indian-origin people comprise nearly 70% of the island nation's population of 1.2 million. Since 2005, India has also been among the largest trading partners of Mauritius.

(With inputs from PTI)