Bharat and Mauritius: Strengthening Strategic Geopolitical, Economic Partnership For Global South

This connection, still remarkably strong, was reaffirmed when PM Modi handed over Overseas Citizenship of India cards to President Dharambeer Gokhool and his wife, Brinda Gokhool, as well as to Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam and his spouse, Veena Ramgoolam

For two nations to collaborate seamlessly and advance their geopolitical and geostrategic objectives in mutual interest, a strong people-to-people connection is indispensable. Leaders attuned to the pulse of their citizens understand how to harness this bond effectively.

In this context, during his recently concluded two-day visit to Mauritius, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a "deeply symbolic" gesture by offering Gangajal from the recently concluded Mahakumbh in Prayagraj at Mauritius’s Ganga Talao, sending a powerful message to the people of both nations that they are united by language, culture, and values. Yet, beyond symbolism lies the essence of partnership and engagement, where leaders work strategically to serve the shared interests of their populations.

Mauritius and Bharat: Bound by a cultural umbilical cord

Mauritius, an island nation of 1.2 million people, where 70 per cent of the population traces its roots to Indian ancestors who arrived over five generations ago, continues to share a profound bond with Bharat. This connection, still remarkably strong, was reaffirmed when PM Modi handed over Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards to President Dharambeer Gokhool and his wife, Brinda Gokhool, as well as to Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam and his spouse, Veena Ramgoolam. Additionally, PM Modi and Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam together planted a tree under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" initiative, to underscores the profound spiritual and cultural ties binding the two nations.

Mauritius: The star and key for the Global South

During the colonial era and before, Mauritius emerged as a vital maritime hub earning it the title "Star & Key", serving as a navigational and economic beacon that guided maritime trade and exploration—the "Star." Colonial powers, from the Dutch to the French and later the British, also leveraged it as a strategic gateway, or "Key," to dominate the Indian Ocean, establishing bases for military and commercial supremacy in the region.

The geostrategic location of Mauritius remains pivotal: it lies approximately 5,800 kilometres from India (measured from New Delhi), 5,600 kilometres from the European Union (via Paris), 8,000 kilometres from the United States (via the eastern seaboard), and just 2,000 kilometres from the eastern coast of Africa (such as Madagascar or Mozambique). It is positioned along key shipping lanes connecting the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific, thus Mauritius is essential for monitoring and securing sea lines of communication (SLOCs).

In today’s rapidly evolving world order, Bharat envisions Mauritius as the "Star and Key" of the Global South—a linchpin for securing maritime security, trade routes, and regional influence, and by extension, for Bharat itself.

PM Modi underscored this strategic vision, stating, "Mauritius is our close maritime neighbour and a key partner in the Indian Ocean region. It places regional development, security, and shared prosperity at its core." For New Delhi, Mauritius is a critical link in the western Indian Ocean, reinforcing New Delhi’s ambition to lead the Global South. This intent is reflected in the Prime Minister’s advancement of Vision Mahasagar—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions—which he described as a guiding framework: "This vision will steer our engagements with countries in the Global South in the coming years."

Bharat and Mauritius: A new strategic partnership

In a groundbreaking move, New Delhi has forged a "Strategic Partnership" with Mauritius, marking its first such agreement with a neighbour in the Indian Ocean region. Under this partnership, both nations will engage in several key areas—space, digital technologies, economic cooperation, defence, and maritime security—while continuing to emphasise the traditional pillars of cultural exchange and people-to-people ties.

Bharat is also securing a robust future relationship by taking on pivotal roles in establishing and supporting decision-making institutions. A prime example is the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation, a college designed to train Mauritian civil servants and enhance capacity building. This effort is complemented by Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), notably "an MoU on training diplomats from Mauritius at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service in New Delhi." Under this initiative, India will train 500 Mauritian civil servants over the next five years. Such steps lay a solid foundation for deepening ties between the two nations in the years ahead.

Strengthening Mauritius’s geosecurity and geoeconomy, advancing Bharat’s vision

Bharat’s leadership of the Global South rests on empowering rather than exploiting, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has often framed it: uplifting nations of the voice less heard. In this spirit, New Delhi is sharing its technology and offering project-specific concessional finance, including grant assistance to the Global South.

A key example is an MoU to support Mauritius in developing its blue economy—an initiative Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam repeatedly highlighted —which will foster cooperation in ocean observation, research, and information sharing. Bharat has also handed over a navigational chart for the St. Brandon Islands, prepared following a hydrographic survey by Indian ships around this Mauritian territory. This strengthens maritime collaboration.

Additionally, white shipping information exchanges between the Indian Navy and the Mauritian government will significantly enhance Mauritius’s maritime security. The maritime domain initiative will facilitate real-time data sharing, curbs illegal activities, and bolsters law enforcement capabilities which will be a "significant shot in the arm for the agencies responsible for maritime security, including the Indian Navy, Mauritius’ police authorities, and others." Ultimately, this ensures the safety of Mauritius’s trade routes and reinforces its geoeconomic and geosecurity framework.

Mauritius forging a geopolitical and economic alliance

Jyoti Jeetun, Mauritius’s newly appointed Minister of Financial Services and Economic Planning, offered a compelling vision in an interview with Mauritius Times, shedding light on the evolving geopolitical landscape- "the economic ties between our nations, particularly in financial services, can become the cornerstone of a strong long-term partnership. We have the benefit of having as ally an economic giant in the making with powerful historical, cultural and emotional bonds."

She went further, framing the relationship in a broader geopolitical context: "Now, let’s look at India today — an emerging superpower in a world where geopolitical dynamics are shifting toward the East. Not only do we share a vast ocean, but we are also strategically located in the middle of the Indian Ocean where global geopolitics is at play. It is widely believed that the next conflict area is likely to be the Indian Ocean, which is why we see that this area has been of huge interest in recent years."

PM Modi declared, "If there is one country in the world that has a right on India, it is Mauritius." He added, "There are no limits to our relationship."

This visit to Mauritius marks a pivotal shift, reorienting the relationship beyond its historical and cultural foundation into a "strategic partnership." This elevation empowers Bharat to project its influence across continents, monitor vital maritime routes, and bolster its regional presence, extending from its own shores to distant waters.

(The author is Founder of My Startup TV)