From Sagar to Mahasagar: Strengthening India-Mauritius Relations

India and Mauritius elevated their relationship to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held formal discussions with his Mauritian counterpart, Navinchandra Ramgoolam. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and secure Indian Ocean while pledging full support for Mauritius’s Exclusive Economic Zone security through increased deployment of ships and aircraft.

Sagar to Mahasagar: India upgrades Mauritius ties | MSN

Marking a decade since introducing India’s ‘Vision Sagar’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) from the same strategically significant Indian Ocean nation, Modi also put forth the ‘Mahasagar’ initiative (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) to strengthen ties with the Global South, emphasizing Mauritius’s crucial role in this broader vision.

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Modi stated that the initiative would encompass trade-driven development, capacity-building for sustainable growth, and mutual security to foster a shared future. As part of this effort, India will enhance cooperation through technology sharing, concessional loans, and grants, highlighting Mauritius as a key regional partner.

Following Modi’s meeting with Ramgoolam, the two nations signed eight agreements and announced several initiatives, including India’s commitment to constructing a new Parliament building in Mauritius—described by Modi as a gift from the "mother of democracy."

Last year, India welcomed the UK-Mauritius agreement affirming Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, which hosts a US-UK military base. Reiterating India's strong support for Mauritius on this matter, Modi received gratitude from Ramgoolam for his personal involvement and engagement with global leaders. A joint statement emphasized the deep-rooted partnership between the two nations.

“We fully respect the sovereignty of Mauritius with regard to Chagos. We will extend our cooperation through forums such as the Colombo Security Conclave, Indian Ocean Rim Association, and Indian Ocean Conference,” Modi stated in his media address following the meeting.

India has also introduced a rupee-denominated credit line of Rs 487 crore to fund the replacement of water pipelines in Mauritius. “It is the first-ever Indian rupee-based line of credit that’s being extended by India to any country and, therefore, a significant development,” foreign secretary Vikram Misri said.

Modi highlighted the importance of defence and maritime security cooperation, describing it as a fundamental pillar of the strategic partnership and pledging to meet all the requirements of the local coast guard. “India shall also assist in setting up of the police academy and National Maritime Information Sharing Centre in Mauritius. Cooperation will be further strengthened in white shipping, blue economy, and hydrography,” he said.

As per the joint statement, Ramgoolam expressed gratitude to Modi for India's "steadfast support" in helping Mauritius safeguard its expansive EEZ. This support includes providing defense and maritime assets, regularly deploying ships and aircraft, conducting joint maritime surveillance, hydrographic surveys, patrolling, bilateral exercises, information sharing, and training assistance, "thus establishing itself as a key security partner for Mauritius."

The representatives also agreed to strengthen their collaboration in securing Mauritius's EEZ, including by making better use of the new runway and jetty on the Agalega Islands, which India has built, in response to the growing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean.

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The representatives urged the prompt ratification of the protocol amending the double taxation avoidance agreement, signed last year, “to harmonise with international standards on treaty abuse, after ongoing discussions are concluded”. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that Mauritius had requested some clarifications, which India had addressed at a very high level. “Our aim is to set at rest all doubts and provide satisfaction to our friends and colleagues from Mauritius that they have a good and a solid agreement on this front… we very much hope that Mauritius will complete its internal processes at the soonest, and the protocol will come into force very quickly,” he added.

(This Article was originally published by MSN)