Why in News?
India and Mauritius have recently reinforced their long-standing, multi-faceted partnership with several significant developments during the Mauritius Prime Minister's visit to India in September 2025.

Recent Developments

• India announced a special economic package of USD 680 million for Mauritius, supporting projects in infrastructure, healthcare, education, energy (such as a 17.5 MW floating solar plant), and maritime surveillance.
• The first Jan Aushadhi Kendra outside India was inaugurated in Mauritius, alongside announcements for an AYUSH Centre.
• Development initiatives include India constructing a new Parliament building in Mauritius.
• Agreements were signed covering maritime security, hydrography, joint space activities, youth exchanges, and disaster management.
• India supports Mauritius in safeguarding its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), maritime domain awareness, and response to crises such as oil spills and cyclones.
• New MoUs involve trade in local currencies, building on UPI and RuPay adoption in Mauritius.

Historical and Cultural Ties

• The India-Mauritius relationship dates back to the 18th century, strengthened by shared history and around 68% of the Mauritian population being of Indian origin.
• Diplomatic ties were formally established in 1948, before Mauritius gained independence.
• India has played a vital role in developing educational and cultural institutions like the Mahatma Gandhi Institute and the Indian Cultural Centre in Mauritius.

Strategic and Economic Significance

• Mauritius holds strategic value for India’s maritime security ambitions under the SAGAR/MAHASAGAR doctrines, counterbalancing regional competition (especially Chinese investments in the Western Indian Ocean).
• Maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean is a cornerstone, with India supporting Mauritian capability-building, especially on Agaléga Island.
• Mauritius remains India’s largest source of FDI, contributing roughly 25% of cumulative FDI inflows to India since 2000, while being a key conduit for Indian economic engagement with Africa through the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Challenges

• Mauritius’ dependence on Indian aid brings risks of over-reliance, pushing it to diversify partners.
• Rising Chinese influence including Jenfei smart city and port project and other external involvement poses a long-term strategic challenge for India.
• Bilateral trade faces logistical hurdles, while Indian private sector presence in Mauritius remains limited.

India-Mauritius ties are now foundational to India’s Indian Ocean and African outreach, built on strategic trust, economic development, and strong cultural bonds.

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