Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Mauritius aimed to reinforce bilateral relations and celebrate the nation's National Day as the chief guest. This visit marked a significant step in enhancing India-Mauritius ties, resulting in the signing of eight pivotal agreements covering a wide range of areas including security, trade, and development cooperation.
One of the key outcomes of this visit was the announcement of the MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). This initiative expands upon India's 2015 SAGAR initiative, focusing on improving maritime security, fostering economic collaboration, and establishing strategic partnerships in the Indian Ocean region. The vision seeks to counter the growing influence of China while promoting regional stability and prosperity.
India's commitment to supporting Mauritius extends into the space sector as well. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to assist Mauritius in developing and launching a satellite. This collaboration includes training Mauritian scientists and enhancing capabilities to monitor extreme weather events, all under the Quad initiative framework.
India has played a crucial role in the development of key infrastructure projects in Mauritius. Notable contributions include the Metro Express, the Supreme Court building, and social housing projects. During his visit, Modi also outlined plans for constructing a new parliament building alongside community projects worth 500 million Mauritian rupees.
Over the past decade, India has extended $1.1 billion in development assistance to Mauritius. This support includes $729 million in credit lines and $427 million in grants, significantly contributing to the nation's economic growth and social development.
India's role in enhancing Mauritius's security is also noteworthy. The country aids Mauritius in securing its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by providing military equipment and maritime surveillance support. Additionally, India is instrumental in establishing a police academy and a maritime information-sharing center.
During the visit, India and Mauritius finalized significant agreements between the Reserve Bank of India and the Bank of Mauritius. These agreements facilitate trade settlement in local currencies, thereby reducing reliance on external currency fluctuations and enhancing economic stability.
India is actively promoting economic diversification in Mauritius by encouraging investments in various sectors such as economic zones, pharmaceuticals, fintech, and the digital economy. This approach aims to bolster long-term economic stability for Mauritius.
India reaffirmed its support for Mauritius's sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, backing the nation's claims in international forums such as the Colombo Security Conclave and the Indian Ocean Rim Association. This stance highlights India's commitment to supporting Mauritius on global platforms.
PM Modi's visit to Mauritius is an essential part of India’s broader foreign policy objectives. It reinforces India's commitment to the Global South by promoting security, economic cooperation, and regional stability in the Indian Ocean. This visit also strengthens India's strategic position in countering external influences in the region, fostering a partnership built on mutual respect and shared aspirations.
Q1. What agreements were signed during PM Modi's visit to Mauritius?
Answer: PM Modi's visit led to the signing of eight agreements focusing on security, trade, and development cooperation between India and Mauritius.
Q2. What is the MAHASAGAR vision?
Answer: The MAHASAGAR vision aims to enhance maritime security and economic collaboration in the Indian Ocean, countering external influences while promoting regional stability.
Q3. How is India supporting Mauritius in the space sector?
Answer: India is assisting Mauritius in developing a satellite, training scientists, and monitoring extreme weather events through ISRO and the Quad initiative.
Q4. How much financial assistance has India provided to Mauritius?
Answer: Over the past decade, India has provided Mauritius with $1.1 billion in development assistance, which includes credit lines and grants.
Q5. What is India's position on the Chagos Archipelago?
Answer: India supports Mauritius's sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, advocating for its claims in international forums.
Question 1: What is the primary goal of the MAHASAGAR vision?
A) Economic cooperation
B) Maritime security enhancement
C) Cultural exchange
D) Education support
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: How much development assistance has India provided to Mauritius in the last decade?
A) $500 million
B) $1 billion
C) $1.1 billion
D) $1.5 billion
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: Which organization is assisting Mauritius in satellite development?
A) NASA
B) ISRO
C) ESA
D) JAXA
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What infrastructure projects has India contributed to in Mauritius?
A) Metro Express
B) Parliament building
C) Supreme Court building
D) All of the above
Correct Answer: D
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