India and Mauritius share deep-rooted historical, economic, and strategic ties, shaped by a common heritage, geopolitical alignment, and economic cooperation that must continuously evolve to meet changing global dynamics. From the migration of indentured laborers during British rule to becoming one of India’s most reliable allies in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius has consistently remained at the heart of India’s maritime security, economic outreach, and geopolitical strategy. The India-Mauritius relationship is a model of South-South cooperation, evolving from a partnership based on shared history to one driven by strategic convergence.
For India, Mauritius is both a trusted cultural partner and a critical maritime ally in the Western Indian Ocean, a region increasingly shaped by piracy, illegal fishing, terrorism, and major-power rivalry, particularly China’s expanding presence. Mauritius is described as the “Star and Key of the Indian Ocean,” a title that reflects its critical location in the Western Indian Ocean, astride key maritime routes.
The recent high-level visit of the Prime Minister of Mauritius to India has reaffirmed the deep-rooted, multifaceted, and strategic relationship between the two nations. Describing India as a ‘trusted partner’, the visit highlighted the time-tested nature of the ties, which are built on the foundations of shared cultural heritage, mutual respect, and a convergence of strategic interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Location of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean
Historical Evolution of India-Mauritius Relations
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Colonial Era: The Foundation of Indo-Mauritian Ties
The relationship between India and Mauritius dates back to the 18th century, when Indian artisans and laborers were first brought to Mauritius during French colonial rule. Under French rule (1729 onwards), the first Indians were brought from Puducherry to work as artisans and masons.
However, it was during British rule (1834-early 1900s) that over 500,000 Indian indentured laborers were transported to Mauritius to work on sugarcane plantations. Between 1834 and the early 1900s, nearly half a million Indian indentured workers were transported to Mauritius to work on sugar plantations. On 2 November 1834 the ship named 'Atlas' docked in Mauritius carrying the first batch of Indian indentured labourers. This day is now observed in Mauritius as 'Aapravasi Day'. Nearly two-thirds of them settled permanently, making Mauritius the only country outside India with a Hindu-majority population up to 70%. Furthermore, Mauritius hosts the World Hindi Secretariat to promote Hindi in the world.
Mauritius share an umbilical link with India. But what sets them apart is their achievement and status in terms of political power and state control, educational and socio-economic progress, maintenance of cultural and religious identity. The indentured labourers who migrated to Mauritius in the 19th century originated mostly, though not exclusively, from the Central Province of India. The Indo-Mauritius people constitute the majority of population which is approximately 70 percent. Out of this more than 30 percent are from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, speaking Bhojpuri as their mother tongue.
India’s Support in Mauritius’ Independence (1947-1968)
India played a crucial role in supporting Mauritius’ anti-colonial struggle against British rule.
India was among the first countries to recognize Mauritius’ independence in 1968 and established full diplomatic relations the same year.
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Post-Independence Relations and Economic Expansion (1983-2020)
- 1983: Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) - This agreement made Mauritius a leading hub for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India, facilitating tax-efficient investment flows. At Present, Mauritius is the 2nd largest source of FDI into India, after Singapore as per FY 2023-24.
- 2000s: Maritime Security and Economic Cooperation - India provided defense equipment, Coast Guard support, and digital infrastructure to Mauritius.
- 2020: SAGAR Initiative - Mauritius joined India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) strategy, reinforcing maritime security and regional stability. India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All) vision was introduced in Mauritius, emphasising enhanced economic and security cooperation with maritime neighbours.
Mauritius holds a pivotal position in India’s maritime security calculus in the Indian Ocean. With an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of nearly 2.3 million sq.
Recent Developments (2021-Present)
- 2021: CECPA Agreement - India and Mauritius signed the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA), India’s first trade pact with an African nation. Fully implement the CECPA agreement and explore new trade avenues in fintech, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy. Deepen Economic Integration: Expand the scope of CECPA to include services, fintech, and the digital economy.
- 2022: Space Collaboration - India, through ISRO, helped Mauritius launch its first satellite, strengthening scientific and technological cooperation. The collaboration in space between India and Mauritius traces back to 1986 when ISRO set up a ground station in Mauritius for satellite tracking. An MoU has been established between ISRO and the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC) for collaborative small satellite development.
- 2024: MAHASAGAR Vision Introduced - India expanded its SAGAR strategy into MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), focusing on trade, security, and development cooperation in the Global South. Mauritius is central to India’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Maritime and Allied Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth for All in the Region).
Key Outcomes of the Indian PM’s Visit to Mauritius (2025)
The Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Mauritius resulted in a series of strategic agreements, further deepening economic, security, and diplomatic ties.
A. Defense and Maritime Security Cooperation
- Refit of Mauritian Coast Guard Ships: India will upgrade and maintain three key Coast Guard vessels (Victory, Valiant, and Barracuda), originally gifted to Mauritius.
- Agalega Island Developments: India has constructed a new runway and jetty on Agalega Island, enhancing Mauritius’ and India’s maritime surveillance capabilities to counter China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean. India's upgraded airstrip on Agaléga Island in Mauritius facilitates the deployment of P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft, bolstering maritime surveillance. India has developed Agaléga Island for joint maritime surveillance and established coastal radar stations.
- Joint Maritime Surveillance: Indian naval ships and aircraft will conduct regular joint surveillance missions in Mauritian waters. Conduct more joint naval exercises and increase regional security coordination. India supports Mauritius with defence personnel, supplying helicopters, ships, aircraft, and interceptor boats.
- White Shipping Agreement: India and Mauritius signed a technical agreement to exchange maritime data, enhancing anti-piracy and anti-smuggling operations.
B. Economic and Infrastructure Development
- Cross-Border Transactions in Local Currencies: A framework was established for bilateral trade in Indian Rupees and Mauritian Rupees, reducing dependence on the US dollar.
- Water Infrastructure Project: India provided a ₹487 crore rupee-denominated Line of Credit, its first-ever INR-based credit line, to help Mauritius replace 100 km of aging water pipelines.
- Electric Mobility Initiative: India supplied 100 electric buses and installed charging stations to promote sustainable urban transport.
- New Parliament Building: India announced the construction of a new Parliament building in Mauritius, symbolizing shared democratic values.
C. Digital and Capacity Building Cooperation
- E-Judiciary System: India will help Mauritius digitize its judicial services, improving efficiency and accessibility.
- Cybersecurity Collaboration: Strengthened cooperation in cyber resilience and digital public infrastructure.
- Training of Mauritian Civil Servants: Over 500 Mauritian civil servants will receive training in India over the next five years.
D. Health and Education Initiatives
- Jan Aushadhi Kendras: Expansion of affordable generic medicine stores in Mauritius. Mauritius has become the first nation to adopt the 'Jan Aushadhi Scheme', sourcing approximately 250 high-quality medicines from India's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau.
- Ayush Centre of Excellence: Promotion of Indian traditional medicine (AYUSH) in Mauritius.
- Education & Research Cooperation: Strengthened academic exchanges and joint research programs.
India-Mauritius relations represent a model of South-South cooperation
Challenges in India-Mauritius Relations
Despite strong ties, several challenges persist:
- China’s Expanding Influence
- China-Mauritius Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signed in 2021, strengthens China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) outreach in the Indian Ocean. The operationalization of China's Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Mauritius in January 2021 further expands China's Belt and Road strategy in Africa while the potential benefits of this FTA for Mauritius are uncertain.
- China’s increased economic investments in Mauritius pose a strategic challenge for India. Geopolitical Competition: Increasing Chinese investment in Mauritius, including the Jinfei Smart City, poses a challenge to India’s strategic influence.
- Delays in DTAA Amendments
- The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) has been misused for tax evasion and round-tripping of funds. FDIs from Mauritius are suspected to be round-tipping by rerouting investments from tax havens by avoiding taxes in India. India has pushed for amendments, but Mauritius has delayed implementation.
- Economic Diversification and Dependency
- Mauritius is seeking to diversify its economic partnerships, reducing full dependence on Indian trade and investment.
- Diplomatic Neutrality
- Mauritius maintains a neutral foreign policy, engaging with multiple powers like China, the EU, and Gulf nations, limiting India’s exclusive influence.
- Local Protests
- In 2020, the country experienced widespread protests, with demonstrators accusing the Mauritian government of endangering national security by giving defence space to India especially in Agalega Islands.
The Way Forward: Strengthening India-Mauritius Relations
- Expanding Defense and Security Cooperation
- Expand intelligence-sharing for counterterrorism and anti-piracy operations.
- Increase regional security coordination.
- Enhancing Trade and Economic Integration
- Fast-track DTAA amendments to enhance transparency in investments.
- Explore new trade avenues in fintech, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy.
- Promoting Green Energy and Technological Advancements
- Expand collaboration in solar energy, electric vehicles, and marine conservation projects.
- Strengthening Regional Leadership
- Use Mauritius as a strategic partner in regional organizations, including:
- Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)
- Colombo Security Conclave
- African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
- Use Mauritius as a strategic partner in regional organizations, including:
- Resolving issues
- The resolution of the Chagos island issue necessitates the involvement of international forums to ensure a fair and equitable outcome.
- Sustain & Improve Engagement
- India should not assume its influence in Mauritius is assured. Instead, it must maintain and improve its engagement with this significant island nation.
- Transparency
- Ensuring transparency in financial transactions from Mauritius is vital for market integrity.
- Continued Collaboration
- India and Mauritius should continue their collaborative efforts in safeguarding the Indian Ocean by further strengthening joint naval patrols, exercises, and enhancing bilateral agreements on maritime security.
Trade and Investment Statistics
India is one of Mauritius’ top three trading partners. The bilateral trade is around $555 million. According to the RBI census for FY23, the US (17%) was the largest FDI source for India followed by Mauritius (15%) and the United Kingdom.
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For the FY 2022-2023, Indian exports to Mauritius was USD 462.69 mn, Mauritian exports to India was USD 91.50 mn and Total trade was USD 554.19 mn. India has become Mauritius' largest source of imports since 2007 and Mauritius imported US$816 million worth of goods in the April 2010-March 2011 financial year.
Over the past two decades, Mauritius contributed USD 161 billion in FDI to India. Conversely, Indian companies invested over USD 200 million in Mauritius in the past five years.
Table: Trade and Investment Flows between India and Mauritius
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Indian Exports to Mauritius (FY 2022-2023) | USD 462.69 million |
| Mauritian Exports to India (FY 2022-2023) | USD 91.50 million |
| Total Trade (FY 2022-2023) | USD 554.19 million |
| Mauritian FDI to India (Past Two Decades) | USD 161 billion |
| Indian Investment in Mauritius (Past Five Years) | USD 200 million |
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