India and Mauritius have signed eight key agreements to enhance their bilateral cooperation, marking the elevation of their relations to an ‘enhanced strategic partnership.’ Key areas of collaboration include trade, maritime security, and technological advancements, under the vision of MAHASAGAR aimed at mutual development and security. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit underscored the longstanding ties and commitment to each nation’s socio-economic progress.
On Wednesday, India and Mauritius took significant steps towards strengthening their bilateral relations by declaring an ‘enhanced strategic partnership’ and signing eight key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). These agreements aim to enhance collaboration in vital areas such as trade, maritime security, and the promotion of national currencies for cross-border transactions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit coincided with milestones in advancing cooperation, particularly in the MSME sector and combating financial crimes such as money laundering.
During his two-day visit to Port Louis, Prime Minister Modi served as the chief guest at Mauritius’ national day celebrations. The event featured participation from Indian armed forces, including a navy warship and the Indian Air Force’s Akash Ganga skydiving team, highlighting the deep-rooted collaboration between the two nations.
The newly established vision for the Global South, termed “MAHASAGAR” (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), was announced during discussions with Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. Modi emphasized the necessity for a free, open, secure, and safe Indian Ocean, reiterating that defense cooperation and maritime security are pivotal to their strategic partnership.
Ten years after presenting his SAGAR initiative (Security and Growth for All in the Region), Modi articulated the transition from SAGAR to MAHASAGAR, signifying an expanded commitment to mutual security, capacity building, and sustainable development through technology sharing and financial assistance. This progressive stance reinforces India’s role as a partner in Mauritius’ development, exemplified by India’s commitment to aiding the construction of a new Parliament building in Mauritius as a gesture of goodwill.
Discussions also encompassed strategic support for Mauritius’ Coast Guard and establishing a national maritime information sharing center. India reaffirmed its respect for Mauritius’ sovereignty regarding the Chagos Islands, an area of ongoing negotiation between Mauritius and the UK, where India supports Mauritius’ quest for a mutually agreeable resolution. Modi and Ramgoolam’s affirmation of the “Enhanced Strategic Partnership” underscores their commitment to economic and social progress in the face of challenges such as natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The visit culminated in numerous development initiatives, including modernization efforts for vital water supply systems and a host of projects valued at 500 million Mauritian rupees. Collaborations in transportation, justice, housing, and healthcare were underscored, in addition to the introduction of digital payment systems like UPI and Rupay Card to bolster business and tourism. Modi advocated for strengthened people-to-people connections through innovations in artificial intelligence and infrastructural advancements affecting human development.
India’s longstanding ties with Mauritius, a nation where nearly 70 percent of the population has Indian ancestry, serve as a foundation for robust bilateral relations, with India being a principal trading partner since 2005.
The recently signed eight MoUs signify a strengthening of India-Mauritius relations, prioritizing economic collaboration and maritime security. The vision of MAHASAGAR reflects a commitment to mutual growth and support in various sectors, including technology and infrastructure. As India continues to assert its influence in the Indian Ocean region, these initiatives signify a promising future for both nations in achieving shared objectives and advancing regional stability.
Original Source: www.news18.com
