Recently, the Prime Ministers of India and Mauritius inaugurated a social housing project in Mauritius. This project is part of a series of India-assisted development initiatives in the island nation. The inauguration of this scheme symbolizes the significant role that India plays in the economic development of Mauritius.
In May 2016, India approved a grant of USD 353 million to Mauritius under the Special Economic Package (SEP), with the intent of executing five crucial projects identified by Mauritius. These included the Metro Express Project, Supreme Court Building, New ENT Hospital, Supply of Digital Tablets to Primary School Children, and the Social Housing Project. With the inauguration of the Social Housing Project, all high-profile ventures under the SEP have been successfully implemented.
New Projects On The Horizon
India is also assisting Mauritius in the construction of the state-of-the-art Civil Service College. Funded by a USD 4.74 million grant, this facility will equip the civil servants of Mauritius with various skill development opportunities, strengthening institutional linkages between India and Mauritius. The Indian Prime Minister acknowledged the national importance of this college and offered to share insights from India’s Mission Karmayogi.
Additionally, an 8 MW Solar PV Farm featuring 25,000 photovoltaic cells is being installed. This green project is expected to generate approximately 14 GWh of renewable energy annually, powering around 10,000 Mauritian households, thereby reducing the island’s carbon footprint.
Strengthening Ties – India-Mauritius Relations
The bond between India and Mauritius traces back to 1730, way ahead of Mauritius gaining independence in 1968. India has always perceived Mauritius through the prism of its rich diaspora, owing to the Indian-origin majority in the island nation, which forms nearly 70% of its population.
Mauritius is a significant partner in celebrating the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas – a day dedicated to issues concerning the Indian Diaspora.
Geostrategic and Geo-economic Importance of Mauritius for India
India recognises the strategic importance of Mauritius, given the emerging power contestation in the Indian Ocean. The SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative was launched by India in 2015, reflecting this sentiment.
Mauritius also holds economic significance as a central geographic point in the Indian Ocean. Its memberships with the African Union, Indian Ocean Rim Association and the Indian Ocean Commission make it a crucial link to multiple geographies. Additionally, Mauritius’s status as a founder member of the Small Island Developing States adds to its pertinence.
Enhancing Economic Outreach and Keeping Pace with Global Developments
Given Mauritius’s growing stature as a regional hub with increasing investments from Africa, India could utilise it for its own African economic outreach. The potential of Mauritius as a centre for technological innovation and maritime scientific research could also be significant for India.
Recently in 2021, India approved the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) between India and Mauritius, setting a new milestone in bilateral relations.
Looking Ahead
While cultural ties between India and Mauritius date back to colonial times, India needs to adopt a proactive approach in engaging with this important island country. It is critical to make necessary adjustments in India’s Neighbourhood First policy to maintain a holistic view of its security cooperation in the south-western Indian Ocean, where Mauritius serves as a natural pivot.