Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam on March 12 expressed satisfaction over their comprehensive discussions on all aspects of bilateral relations and agreed that the special and close bilateral partnership between the two countries had achieved significant strategic depth and had now been upgraded to an advanced strategic partnership.
On the last day of Prime Minister Modi’s two-day visit to Mauritius, the "Joint Vision for an Advanced Strategic Partnership between India and Mauritius" was issued, outlining the special and unique relationship between the two countries. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi held extensive discussions with the leadership of Mauritius focusing on enhancing cooperation in infrastructure, housing, digital technology, health, AI, and other sectors to strengthen bilateral ties.
Focusing on defense and maritime security cooperation, both leaders emphasized that this is an important pillar of bilateral relations and that close cooperation in this area had achieved strategic dimensions benefiting both nations. They also agreed that India and Mauritius, with their shared commitment to ensuring a free, open, and secure Indian Ocean region, are natural partners in the region. Furthermore, they reiterated their resolve to work together to face maritime challenges and secure broader strategic interests in the region.
The Prime Minister of Mauritius appreciated India’s assistance in securing the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), including the provision of defense and maritime equipment, regular deployment of vessels and aircraft, joint maritime surveillance, hydrographic surveys and patrols, bilateral exercises, information sharing, and training assistance. According to the joint statement, the Prime Minister of Mauritius thanked India for continued assistance on a grant basis for the repair of Coast Guard vessels Victory, Valiant, and Barracuda.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that Mauritius is a special maritime partner for India and an important partner under India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision. Reaffirming India’s commitment to helping Mauritius meet its defense and security needs, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s continuous support for Mauritius in fulfilling its defense and security requirements.
The two leaders committed to enhancing maritime cooperation by increasing the deployment of vessels and aircraft for joint maritime surveillance and hydrographic surveys. They also pledged to increase cooperation to secure Mauritius’s EEZ, including better utilization of the newly constructed runway and jetty at Agalega, and establishing a National Maritime Information Sharing Centre to enhance awareness in the maritime domain. The leaders welcomed the ongoing discussions between Mauritius and the United Kingdom regarding the Chagos Archipelago.
Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s strong support for Mauritius on the Chagos issue. The Prime Minister of Mauritius thanked Prime Minister Modi for his personal engagement and dialogue with global leaders on this issue. Modi also extended an invitation for the Prime Minister of Mauritius to visit India at the earliest.