India-Mauritius Ties: Shaping Maritime Geopolitics

Context:

This analysis explores Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius on March 11-12, 2025, emphasizing India’s strategic maritime vision in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The piece highlights the deepening India-Mauritius partnership amid rising geopolitical rivalries, particularly with China, and its implications for regional security and stability.

1. Strategic Visit: PM Modi’s March 11-12, 2025, visit to Mauritius underscored India’s focus on strengthening its maritime role in the IOR, a key theater of 21st-century geopolitics.
2. Maritime Cooperation: India’s defence and maritime ties with Mauritius are a cornerstone of bilateral relations, exemplified by infrastructure projects like the Agalega Island logistics base.
3. Geopolitical Importance: The IOR hosts vital sea lanes (80% of global trade volume, energy routes), intensifying competition between India and China for influence.
4. China’s Influence: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and “String of Pearls” strategy (ports network) aim to expand its IOR footprint, prompting India’s counter-strategy.
5. India’s Response: India’s “Necklace of Diamonds” involves partnerships with IOR littoral states, naval diplomacy, and port investments to balance China’s presence.
6. Mauritius’ Role: Positioned in the Western Indian Ocean, Mauritius offers India political leverage and a logistical hub to monitor maritime activities.
7. MAHASAGAR Doctrine: India’s evolving maritime vision, “Maritime Amity, Harmony, and Synergy Across the Great Aquatic Region,” promotes cooperation and security in the IOR.
8. Economic Ties: Bilateral trade grew from $1.39 billion (2022-23) to $1.67 billion (2023-24), with India aiding Mauritius in metro projects and satellite launches.
9. Cultural Bonds: Mauritius, with 70% Indian-origin population, shares historical ties with India, reinforced by Modi’s community engagements.
10. Global Alignment: The partnership aligns with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative, enhancing its role as a resident maritime power in the Indo-Pacific.

Link To The Original Article – https://indianexpress.com/article/upsc-current-affairs/upsc-essentials/india-mauritius-partnership-and-the-new-maritime-geopolitics-9894751/