Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Mauritius, emphasizing a secure Indian Ocean and support for Mauritius over the Chagos archipelago. He announced training for Mauritian civil servants, agreements for local currency trade, and cooperation in defense and maritime security. The visit strengthened bilateral ties, with multiple memoranda of understanding signed and key development initiatives announced.
During his recent two-day state visit to Mauritius, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of a “free, open, secure, and safe” Indian Ocean, highlighting the mutual priority for India and Mauritius. Speaking alongside Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, he reiterated India’s commitment to Mauritius’s sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago and mentioned that a recent agreement between the U.K. and Mauritius would lead to the transfer of sovereignty after many years.
Prime Minister Modi announced that within the next five years, India will train 500 civil servants from Mauritius, and an agreement has been established to settle mutual trade using local currencies. The cooperation on defense and maritime security was identified as crucial elements of the strategic partnership, with a focus on bolstering the capabilities of the Coast Guard and ensuring the protection of Mauritius’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Mr. Modi confirmed India’s support for the establishment of key institutions in Mauritius, including a Police Academy and a National Maritime Information Sharing Centre. He pledged to advocate Mauritius’s position on the Chagos dispute in international forums, including the Colombo Security Conclave and the Indian Ocean Conference.
Prior to the visit, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had emphasized support for Mauritius’s claims regarding the Chagos archipelago and echoed Modi’s commitment to the cultural ties between the two nations. Modi also announced new development initiatives worth Mauritian rupee 500 million and highlighted the signing of eight memoranda of understanding, which include provisions for resolving trade issues through local currencies.
Mr. Modi was honored with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean, the highest accolade from Mauritius. Misri further explained that the agreements aim to enhance the use of local currencies in trade, facilitate the establishment of an Indian rupee clearing center in Mauritius, and improve commerce and tourism ties between the nations.
The two countries also formalized additional agreements, including a significant one between their respective financial and regulatory authorities to share information that will bolster maritime security. The collaboration on “white shipping information” is set to strengthen Mauritius’s maritime domain awareness and assist in safeguarding trade routes, thereby enhancing the region’s security posture.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations, emphasizing mutual cooperation over maritime security and economic trade. The discussions surrounding the sovereignty of the Chagos archipelago, training initiatives, and agreements on local currencies highlight India’s commitment to supporting Mauritius. As the two nations aim to enhance collaboration in various sectors, the developments are expected to foster greater stability and prosperity in the region.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
