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India and Mauritius have elevated their bilateral relationship to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, underscoring deep-rooted historical ties, shared cultural linkages, and growing strategic alignment in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This elevation came during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius in March 2025, marking a new phase in India’s engagement with the Global South through the unveiling of the MAHASAGAR Vision—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

Key Agreements and Strategic Cooperation

A total of eight bilateral agreements were signed, focusing on trade, defense, maritime security, financial crimes, and developmental cooperation. A landmark agreement was the signing of India’s first-ever rupee-denominated Line of Credit to Mauritius, worth ?487.6 crore, aimed at upgrading the island’s water supply system. This also complements a broader move toward trade settlement in local currencies, reducing dependence on foreign exchange and enhancing resilience in bilateral commerce.

In the realm of maritime security, the partnership now includes expanded white shipping information sharing, enhanced joint maritime surveillance, and greater utilization of strategic facilities on Agalega Island, developed with Indian assistance. India reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Mauritius’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and supporting the establishment of a police academy and a national maritime information-sharing centre.

India also extended support to Mauritius’s claim over the Chagos Archipelago, opposing colonial remnants and reinforcing its consistent stance on sovereignty and decolonization in global forums.

MAHASAGAR Vision and Global South Outreach

The newly unveiled MAHASAGAR initiative builds upon India’s earlier SAGAR doctrine, broadening the framework to include developmental cooperation, technology transfer, capacity building, concessional finance, and joint security across the Global South. It strengthens India’s position as a net security provider and first responder in the IOR, evident from its assistance during Cyclone Chido and the Wakashio oil spill.

The visit also witnessed the inauguration of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation, a health centre, and 20 community projects built with Indian grants. Further, India announced its support for constructing a new Parliament building in Mauritius, symbolizing democratic solidarity.

Cultural and Economic Pillars

Mauritius hosts a large Indian diaspora (around 70% of its population), maintaining strong cultural, religious, and linguistic ties with India. Historical bonds, such as Mahatma Gandhi’s 1901 visit, continue to influence people-to-people relations. Economically, Mauritius serves as a gateway to Africa, benefiting from India’s rising trade and investment footprint, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

India is one of Mauritius’s top trading partners and a major source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with Mauritius being the second-largest source of FDI into India in FY 2023–24.

Conclusion

The India–Mauritius partnership exemplifies a holistic model of South-South cooperation, driven by shared values, strategic convergence, and mutual development. In the evolving Indo-Pacific framework, it reinforces India's Act East and Extended Neighbourhood policies while bolstering regional stability and economic integration.