Source: The Hindu
Mauritius, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean, will present Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the highest honor. Additionally, he will serve as the Chief Guest during Mauritius’ National Day festivities. The first Indian to be awarded the honor is Mr. Modi. It is the 21st international honor that a foreign government has given Mr. Modi.
As a special gesture, Mr. Modi gave President Gokhool and First Lady Vrinda Gokhool Overseas Citizenship of India cards, gave them Sangam water from Maha Kumbh in a brass and copper pot and Makhana, and gave the First Lady a Banarasi silk sari from Varanasi in the intricately inlaid Sadeli box from Gujarat. The two leaders discussed strengthening the unique and close bilateral ties between India and Mauritius during the meeting.
Model Question:
“India and Mauritius share a special relationship based on historical, cultural, and economic ties. Discuss the strategic significance of Mauritius for India and analyze the key areas of cooperation between the two nations.” (250 words)
Model Answer
India and Mauritius share a deep-rooted relationship built on historical ties, cultural linkages, and economic partnerships. Mauritius, home to a large Indian diaspora (~70% of the population), has been a trusted partner in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The two nations collaborate in trade, security, infrastructure, and diplomatic forums, with Mauritius being central to India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ and ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ (SAGAR) policies.
Strategic Significance of Mauritius for India
- Geopolitical Importance:
- Located at a crucial maritime chokepoint in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius plays a role in India’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
- Supports India’s blue economy initiatives and counter-piracy operations.
- Economic Gateway:
- Mauritius serves as a gateway for Indian businesses to Africa.
- India has invested in port infrastructure, finance, and trade networks in Mauritius.
- Defence & Security Cooperation:
- India assists in maritime security, anti-piracy operations, and military training.
- India gifted INS Barracuda (offshore patrol vessel) and provides defence equipment & surveillance systems.
Key Areas of India-Mauritius Cooperation
- Economic & Trade Relations:
- India is Mauritius’s largest trading partner and top source of FDI.
- The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) (2021) boosts bilateral trade.
- Financial & Investment Ties:
- Mauritius is a major FDI source for India due to favorable tax treaties (though amended to curb tax evasion).
- Collaboration in financial services and offshore banking.
- Infrastructure & Connectivity:
- India helped develop Mauritius’ Metro Express Project, ENT hospital, and social housing projects.
- Contributed $250 million Line of Credit for infrastructure development.
- Cultural & Diaspora Ties:
- 70% of Mauritian population is of Indian origin (mainly Bhojpuri & Tamil communities).
- India promotes Hindi, Bhojpuri, Tamil, and Sanskrit studies through institutions like World Hindi Secretariat.
- Maritime & Defence Cooperation:
- Joint naval exercises like ‘Varuna’ and coastal surveillance assistance.
- India maintains military presence & security collaboration in Mauritius.
Mauritius is a trusted maritime and economic partner for India. Strengthening defence, trade, and investment ties while ensuring geopolitical stability in the Indian Ocean will deepen the partnership. Mauritius’s role in India’s Africa outreach and Indo-Pacific vision makes it an indispensable strategic ally.
