Understanding the India-Mauritius Partnership

Exploring India-Mauritius Relations

India and Mauritius share profound historical, cultural, and strategic connections, making their partnership crucial in the evolving geopolitical landscape.

Historical and Cultural Connections

• Indian Diaspora Influence: Approximately 70% of Mauritius’ population is of Indian origin, primarily descended from indentured laborers brought during British colonial rule. Many still converse in Bhojpuri and other Indian languages.
• Freedom Struggle Links: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, Mauritius’ first Prime Minister, was actively involved in India's independence movement and collaborated closely with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
• Cultural Diplomacy: India promotes its languages and traditions in Mauritius through institutions like the Mahatma Gandhi Institute and the World Hindi Secretariat.

Economic and Trade Partnership

• Bilateral Trade: Trade between India and Mauritius surged to $554 million in 2022-23, with Mauritius acting as a gateway to Africa due to its preferential trade agreements.
• Financial and Investment Hub: The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) and favorable regulations have established Mauritius as a favored offshore financial center for Indian businesses targeting the African market.

Strategic and Maritime Cooperation

• Maritime Security: As a sentinel of the western Indian Ocean, Mauritius plays an essential role in bolstering India’s maritime security.
• Naval Collaboration: India has set up radar stations and modernized Agaléga Island for surveillance, incorporating Mauritius into the Indian Ocean Region Information Fusion Centre (IOR-IFC) located in Gurugram.
• Surveying Ocean Territory: The Indian research vessel Sagar Nireekshak recently completed extensive surveys of Mauritius’ oceanic territory, emphasizing strong defense cooperation.

India-Mauritius relations stand as a pillar of stability, enhancing both nations economically, culturally, and strategically in a world marked by uncertainty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the significance of the Indian diaspora in Mauritius?
Answer: The Indian diaspora significantly influences Mauritius, comprising around 70% of the population. Their cultural practices, languages, and traditions continue to shape the island's identity.

Q2. How do India and Mauritius collaborate economically?
Answer: India and Mauritius enjoy a robust economic partnership, with bilateral trade reaching $554 million in 2022-23, and Mauritius serving as a key financial hub for Indian investments in Africa.

Q3. What role does Mauritius play in India’s maritime security?
Answer: Mauritius is vital for India's maritime security, acting as a strategic point in the western Indian Ocean, facilitating naval cooperation and surveillance operations.

Q4. Which historical figures link India and Mauritius?
Answer: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, Mauritius’ first Prime Minister, is a notable figure, having collaborated with Indian leaders like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose during the independence movement.

Q5. What cultural initiatives does India support in Mauritius?
Answer: India fosters cultural ties in Mauritius by supporting institutions like the Mahatma Gandhi Institute and the World Hindi Secretariat, promoting Indian languages and cultural heritage.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What percentage of Mauritius' population is of Indian origin?
A) 50%
B) 70%
C) 80%
D) 60%
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Who was the first Prime Minister of Mauritius?
A) Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam
B) Navin Ramgoolam
C) Anerood Jugnauth
D) Ramgoolam Seewoosagur
Correct Answer: A

Question 3: Which agreement promotes investment between India and Mauritius?
A) Free Trade Agreement
B) Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement
C) Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
D) Bilateral Investment Treaty
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: What is the role of the Sagar Nireekshak in India-Mauritius relations?
A) Cultural promotion
B) Economic analysis
C) Ocean territory surveying
D) Trade facilitation
Correct Answer: C

Question 5: What language is predominantly spoken by the Indian diaspora in Mauritius?
A) Hindi
B) Bhojpuri
C) Tamil
D) Gujarati
Correct Answer: B