India and Mauritius Forge Enhanced Strategic Partnership with Key Agreements
India and Mauritius enhanced their strategic partnership by finalizing eight agreements focusing on trade, maritime security, and defense. Prime Minister Modi introduced the MAHASAGAR vision, emphasizing cooperation in various sectors for security and development. The agreements also honor Mauritius’s sovereignty over the Chagos Islands and include financial, technical, and defense commitments from India.
India and Mauritius recently elevated their relations to an enhanced strategic partnership, formalizing eight agreements aimed at strengthening collaboration in critical areas such as trade and maritime security. This move was part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of a new vision for India’s engagement with the Global South, termed “MAHASAGAR” or Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
The agreements include local currency trade settlements to de-risk bilateral commerce, increased collaboration in space endeavors such as launching a satellite for Mauritius, and enhanced military cooperation to ensure regional security. Modi emphasized the crucial role of defense partnership in maintaining a free and safe Indian Ocean, particularly in light of escalating Chinese maritime activities in the region.
During his visit marking Mauritius’s National Day, Prime Minister Modi stressed that defense cooperation and maritime security are central to the strategic partnership. Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam acknowledged the benefits of Indian aid towards Mauritius’s socio-economic development, asserting that the newly finalized agreements would bolster the already robust bilateral ties.
Ramgoolam illustrated a shared vision focused on advancing cooperation across various sectors including space research, artificial intelligence, and cyber-security. Modi reiterated that the MAHASAGAR vision is an extension of India’s SAGAR initiative aimed at collaboration with the Global South, emphasizing sustainable growth and mutual security through technology-sharing and economic support.
Furthermore, Ramgoolam conveyed gratitude for India’s steadfast assistance in Mauritius’s territorial sovereignty ambitions, particularly concerning the Chagos Islands. Modi assured full respect for Mauritius’s claims, promoting ongoing support through international forums.
The agreements encompass a significant framework between Indian and Mauritian financial institutions to facilitate trade settlements using local currencies and a credit agreement to improve water supply in Mauritius. This represents the first Indian rupee-based credit line issued to any nation.
In defense, the nations agreed to share maritime information while India committed to helping strengthen the security framework of Mauritius’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Modi reiterated India’s ongoing support in maritime security efforts, including the provision of resources for the Mauritian Coast Guard.
The strategic partnership also aims to combat financial crimes through an MoU between India’s Enforcement Directorate and Mauritius’s Financial Crimes Commission, establishing frameworks for intelligence-sharing to tackle corruption.
In the space exploration sector, the two countries will collaborate on developing and launching a satellite, designed to monitor extreme weather events, with Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) involvement. Modi underscored India’s role as a crucial partner in responding to regional crises and assisting in developmental projects within Mauritius, further reinforcing India’s commitment of $1.1 billion for development assistance over the last decade.
In conclusion, the recently solidified agreements between India and Mauritius mark a significant advancement in their strategic partnership. With a focus on local currency trade, enhanced military cooperation, and collaborative initiatives across various sectors, both nations aim to bolster their ties and address regional challenges effectively. The MAHASAGAR vision outlined by Modi signifies India’s commitment to the Global South, ensuring mutual growth and security while reaffirming support for Mauritius’s sovereignty and economic development.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
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