Unlocking the Strategic Potential: Mauritius in India's Larger Interests

Executive Summary: Mauritius, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, has emerged as a critical player in India's larger interests. Located strategically in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius offers a unique combination of geographic, economic, and cultural advantages, making it an important partner for India. Mauritius holds significant strategic importance for India, given its unique location in the Indian Ocean, which enables India to project its naval power and protect its interests in the region. The two nations have a long history of cultural and economic ties, with India being Mauritius' leading development partner since its independence. India has contributed significantly to Mauritius' infrastructure and developmental needs, including the development of a satellite, the provision of defence and maritime assets, and support for disaster management. The bilateral partnership spans multiple dimensions, including maritime security, trade, and infrastructure development, with India seeking to deepen its relationship with Mauritius as part of its Neighbourhood First, Vision Sagar, and Africa Forward policies.

China's Presence :

China has been increasing its presence in Mauritius, investing in infrastructure projects, such as ports, airports, and roads. China's growing presence in Mauritius is a concern for India, as it could potentially challenge India's influence in the region. China's investments in Mauritius are part of its larger strategy to expand its presence in the Indian Ocean and gain access to key trade routes. China's proliferating presence in Mauritius poses a challenge to India's influence in the region. China's investments in infrastructure, trade, and defence cooperation are aimed at increasing its foothold in the Indian Ocean. Mauritius is strategically located in the Indian Ocean, which makes it an important hub for trade, commerce, and naval operations. China's presence in Mauritius provides it with a foothold in the region, which could potentially challenge India's dominance. China's Maritime Silk Road (MSR) initiative aims to connect China with the rest of Asia, Africa, and Europe through a network of ports, shipping lanes, and infrastructure projects. Mauritius is an important node in the MSR, and China's presence in the country is crucial for the success of this initiative.

China's naval presence in Mauritius is a concern for India, as it could potentially challenge India's naval dominance in the region. China's naval base in Djibouti, which is located near the entrance to the Red Sea, is already a concern for India, and a similar presence in Mauritius could further exacerbate these concerns.

China's economic interests in Mauritius are significant, with investments in infrastructure, tourism, and finance. China's economic presence in Mauritius could potentially challenge India's economic influence in the region.

China's diplomatic influence in Mauritius is significant, with China being one of the country's largest trading partners. China's diplomatic influence in Mauritius could potentially challenge India's diplomatic influence in the region.

Supply Chain :

Mauritius is strategically located in the Indian Ocean, making it an important hub for trade and commerce. The country's ports handle significant volumes of maritime trade, including containerized cargo, bulk cargo, and oil. Mauritius' supply chain is well-developed, with modern infrastructure, efficient logistics, and a skilled workforce. India can leverage Mauritius' supply chain to expand its trade and commerce in the region. The supply chain is a vital component of the Strategic Importance of Mauritius in India's Larger Interests. Mauritius' strategic location in the Indian Ocean, coupled with its well-developed port infrastructure and efficient logistics facilities, makes it an attractive location for supply chain operations.

The country's supply chain infrastructure supports India's economic and strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region by facilitating the movement of goods and services between India and its trading partners. Mauritius' supply chain expertise and infrastructure also provide a platform for India to establish itself as a major player in the regional supply chain. The country's free trade agreements (FTAs) with several countries, including India, China, and the European Union, provide preferential market access and facilitate the movement of goods, services, and investments between Mauritius and its trading partners. Furthermore, Mauritius' membership in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) provides a framework for the country to engage with other member states on supply chain-related issues.

The supply chain is also crucial for Mauritius' export-oriented economy, which is focused on textiles, sugar, and tourism. The country's supply chain infrastructure is well-developed to support its export-oriented economy, with modern logistics facilities, efficient customs procedures, and a skilled workforce. Additionally, Mauritius serves as a transhipment hub for goods destined for Africa, Europe, and Asia, further highlighting the importance of the supply chain in the country's economy.

In the context of India's Act East Policy, Mauritius' supply chain infrastructure and expertise play a critical role in facilitating the movement of goods and services between India and Southeast Asia. The country's strategic location and well-developed port infrastructure make it an attractive location for Indian companies looking to establish a presence in the regional supply chain. Furthermore, Mauritius' FTAs with several countries in the region provide Indian companies with preferential market access and facilitate the movement of goods, services, and investments between India and its trading partners.

It is as a whole crucial regarding the Strategic Importance of Mauritius in India's Larger Interests. Mauritius' supply chain infrastructure and expertise support India's economic and strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region, facilitate the movement of goods and services between India and its trading partners, and provide a platform for India to establish itself as a major player in the regional supply chain.

Trade Routes :

Mauritius is situated along the Indian Ocean trade route, which connects Europe, Asia, and Africa. The country's strategic location makes it an important transit point for trade between India and other countries in the region. India can use Mauritius as a hub to expand its trade and commerce in the region, particularly with countries in Africa and Europe. The trade route is a vital component of the Strategic Importance of Mauritius in India's Larger Interests. Mauritius is strategically located in the Indian Ocean, making it an important hub for trade and commerce between Asia, Africa, and Europe. The country's trade route infrastructure, including its ports, airports, and transportation networks, supports India's economic and strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region.

Mauritius' trade route is crucial for India's maritime trade, with the country serving as a key hub for the transhipment of goods. The trade route enables efficient and cost-effective movement of goods, which is essential for India's maritime trade. Moreover, Mauritius' strategic location enables it to serve as a hub for the movement of goods between India and other countries in the region, further highlighting the importance of the trade route in the country's economy. The trade route is also critical for India's economic growth and development. Mauritius' trade route infrastructure supports India's economic and strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region, facilitates the movement of goods and services between India and other countries in the region, and provides a platform for India to establish itself as a major player in regional trade.

In addition, the trade route is important for India's energy security. Mauritius is a key hub for the import and export of oil and petroleum products, and the trade route enables the efficient movement of these products between India and other countries in the region. The trade route also supports India's renewable energy goals, with many Indian companies investing in renewable energy projects in Mauritius and other countries in the region.

Mauritius' trade route is also crucial for India's strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region. The country's strategic location enables it to serve as a hub for the movement of goods and services between India and other countries in the region, including those in Africa and Southeast Asia. The trade route also supports India's naval presence in the region, with the Indian Navy relying on the trade route for the movement of goods and personnel.

India's trade with Africa, Europe, and Asia is significant, and the trade route through Mauritius facilitates the movement of goods and services between these regions. The trade route also supports India's manufacturing sector, with many Indian companies relying on imports of raw materials and exports of finished goods through the trade route.

Naval Bases :

Mauritius has a deep-water port that can accommodate large naval vessels. India has a significant naval presence in Mauritius, with regular port calls and joint exercises. The naval base in Mauritius provides India with a strategic location to project its naval power in the Indian Ocean and protect its interests in the region. Naval bases play a crucial role in the Strategic Importance of Mauritius in India's Larger Interests. Mauritius' strategic location in the Indian Ocean makes it an important hub for naval operations, and the country's naval bases are a key component of India's maritime security strategy. The naval bases in Mauritius provide India with a strategic location to project its naval power and protect its interests in the region.The naval bases in Mauritius are also critical for India's maritime trade and commerce. The country's strategic location enables it to serve as a hub for the movement of goods and services between India and other countries in the region. The naval bases in Mauritius provide a secure and efficient way for India to transport goods and personnel, which is essential for the country's economic growth and development. In addition, the naval bases in Mauritius support India's maritime security operations in the region. The Indian Navy has a significant presence in Mauritius, with regular port calls and joint exercises with the Mauritian Navy. The naval bases in Mauritius provide the Indian Navy with a strategic location to conduct maritime security operations, including counter-piracy and counter-terrorism operations.

The naval bases in Mauritius are also important for India's relations with other countries in the region. The country's strategic location enables it to serve as a hub for regional maritime security cooperation, and the naval bases in Mauritius provide a platform for India to engage with other countries in the region on maritime security issues. The naval bases in Mauritius also support India's participation in regional maritime security initiatives, such as the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS).

In the context of India's Act East Policy, the naval bases in Mauritius play a critical role in facilitating India's maritime engagement with Southeast Asia. The naval bases in Mauritius provide the Indian Navy with a strategic location to conduct maritime security operations in the region, including counter-piracy and counter-terrorism operations. The naval bases in Mauritius also support India's maritime trade and commerce with Southeast Asia, which is an important component of the country's Act East Policy.

Long-Term Relations :

India and Mauritius have a long history of cultural and economic ties. Mauritius was a British colony, and many Indians were brought to the island as labourers. Today, people of Indian origin make up a significant proportion of the population. India and Mauritius have a strong relationship, with regular exchanges of high-level visits, trade, and investment.

The long-term relations between India and Mauritius are expected to be robust and multifaceted, driven by the strategic importance of Mauritius in India's larger interests. The two countries have a long history of cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties, which provides a strong foundation for their long-term relations. India has been a significant development partner for Mauritius, assisting in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

The long-term relations between India and Mauritius are also expected to be driven by their shared interests in regional and global issues. The two countries are likely to cooperate closely on issues such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, and climate change. India and Mauritius are also expected to work together to promote regional cooperation and integration, particularly through forums such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The long-term relations between India and Mauritius are expected to be driven by people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation. The two countries have a significant diaspora community, with many people of Indian origin living in Mauritius. This community is expected to play a key role in promoting cultural exchange and cooperation between the two countries. India and Mauritius are also likely to cooperate in areas such as education, healthcare, and tourism, which will help to promote people-to-people exchanges and cultural understanding. The two countries are likely to deepen their cooperation in these areas and promote people-to-people exchanges and cultural understanding. The long-term relations between India and Mauritius are expected to play a critical role in promoting India's economic and strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region.

Deals Signed on Modi’s Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Mauritius was marked by the signing of several key agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. One of the significant pacts was focused on Capacity Building and Development, which enables India to provide training and development programs for Mauritian officials and professionals.

Another crucial agreement was signed to Tackle Cross-Border Financial Crimes, facilitating cooperation between the two countries in combating financial crimes and promoting stability in the financial sector. Additionally, the two nations agreed to enhance cooperation in Trade and Commerce, with a focus on promoting bilateral trade and investment.

Modi's visit also saw the signing of agreements aimed at promoting Maritime Cooperation, with a focus on enhancing cooperation in areas such as maritime security, fisheries, and oceanography. These agreements are expected to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between India and Mauritius, promoting cooperation in key areas of mutual interest.

The two nations agreed to promote cooperation in the SME sector, including the exchange of best practices and technology transfer.

India and Mauritius also signed a cultural exchange program to promote people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation between the two nations.

The agreements signed during Modi's visit demonstrate India's commitment to strengthening its ties with Mauritius and promoting cooperation in areas of mutual interest. These agreements are expected to have a positive impact on bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two nations.

Cultural Similarities :

India and Mauritius share a rich cultural heritage. Many Mauritians are of Indian origin, and the country celebrates many Indian festivals, including Diwali, Holi, and Navratri. The cultural similarities between India and Mauritius provide a strong foundation for bilateral ties and facilitate people-to-people exchanges.

The cultural similarity between India and Mauritius is evident in the shared values, traditions, and customs of the two countries. Many Mauritians are descendants of Indian indentured labourers who were brought to the island by British colonial rulers. As a result, Mauritius has a unique cultural identity that is heavily influenced by Indian culture. This cultural connection has created a sense of shared identity and belonging between the two nations.

It has also facilitated people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. Many Indians visit Mauritius every year, attracted by the island's beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and vibrant culture. Similarly, many Mauritians visit India, drawn by the country's rich cultural heritage, spiritual sites, and economic opportunities. These people-to-people exchanges have helped to strengthen the bond between the two nations, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation.

This similarity has also driven economic cooperation between the two countries. Many Indian companies have invested in Mauritius, attracted by the island's favourable business climate, skilled workforce, and strategic location. Similarly, many Mauritian companies have invested in India, drawn by the country's large market, skilled workforce, and economic growth opportunities. This economic cooperation has helped to promote mutual prosperity and development between the two nations.

In addition, the cultural coherence between India and Mauritius has also facilitated cooperation in areas such as education, healthcare, and tourism. Many Indian educational institutions have partnerships with Mauritian universities, promoting academic exchanges and cooperation. Similarly, many Indian healthcare companies have partnerships with Mauritian hospitals, promoting medical tourism and cooperation. This cooperation has helped to promote mutual development and prosperity between the two nations.

This vital similarity between the two countries is a significant factor that drives the Strategic Importance of Mauritius in India's Larger Interests. The cultural affinity between the two nations has facilitated cooperation in various areas, promoting mutual understanding, prosperity, and development. As India continues to implement its Act East Policy, the cultural similarity between India and Mauritius is expected to play a significant role in promoting India's economic and strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region.

Conclusion :

Mauritius is a critical partner for India in the Indian Ocean region. The country's strategic location, supply chain, trade routes, naval bases, and cultural similarities make it an important player in India's larger interests. India's engagement with Mauritius is likely to continue, with a focus on maritime security, trade, and cultural cooperation. As India seeks to expand its influence in the Indian Ocean region, Mauritius is likely to remain a key partner.

-MADHURJYA PRATIM SARMAH