Despite Prime Minister Modi’s busy schedule, including recent engagements in Paris and the United States, he has graciously accepted the invitation of Prime Minister Dr. Navin Ramgoolam to be the Guest of Honour at our National Day celebrations on March 12th. Following Dr. Ramgoolam’s historic electoral victory, Prime Minister Modi expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating closely to strengthen the unique partnership between our two nations.
What Makes Mauritius Special:
- Demographic Significance: Nearly 70% of Mauritius’s population of 1.3 million is of Indian origin.
- Shared History and Culture: Both French and British colonizers brought workers from the Puducherry region to Mauritius in the 18th century, with significant migration of indentured laborers occurring between 1834 and 1920. Over time, many of these workers chose to settle permanently in Mauritius.
- Mahatma Gandhi’s Influence: Gandhi briefly visited Mauritius in 1901 and left a lasting impact on Indian laborers, emphasizing education, political empowerment, and maintaining ties with India. March 12th, the day he initiated the Dandi Salt March, is commemorated as the National Day of Mauritius.
Strengthening Unique Relationships:
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the Father of the Nation, forged connections with Indian leaders while studying in England, influencing his political journey. Following independence, India established diplomatic relations with Mauritius, retaining engagements through high-level visits, tourism, and trade. Mauritius has consistently benefitted from Indian expertise in national security and coastal defense.
Indian Assistance in Development:
India has provided support for various projects in Mauritius, a mix of joint ventures and fully funded initiatives, including:
- Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Indian Culture
- Rabindranath Tagore Institute for Indian Studies
- Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture
- Several hospitals and training centers
Recent projects include the Metro Express, Supreme Court Building, and various community development initiatives. India also provided critical support during the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering vaccines and assistance during the Wakashio oil spill crisis.
Economic Cooperation and Trade:
India has engaged in multiple economic partnerships, exemplified by the CECPA (Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement), which grants preferential access for 615 Mauritian products to the Indian market. The agreement covers key commodities such as special sugar, garments, and medical supplies.
The cultural ties between Mauritius and India remain strong, with numerous educational opportunities for Mauritian students and effective participation in bilateral forums, including the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Furthermore, Mauritius has fostered a visa-free regime for Indian tourists, supporting significant travel and cultural exchange.
The enduring bonds between our nations reflect a continued commitment to enhancing our bilateral partnership for mutual prosperity and development in the wider Indian Ocean region.
As part of “A Bridge to the Future,” the new government’s program aims to elevate Mauritius’s diplomatic strategy from economic diplomacy to developmental diplomacy, promoting regional cooperation and economic integration.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Mauritius is anticipated to serve as a transformative opportunity, positioning our partnership as a vital pillar for regional growth and integration. We extend our warm wishes for a fruitful and enriching stay for Prime Minister Modi and his delegation in Mauritius.
Mookhesswur Choonee GOSK
Fmr. Minister and Ambassador
Chairman GOPIO International
