India-Mauritius relations trace back to the early 18th century, with connections beginning around 1730 when Indian artisans from Puducherry and Madras were brought to the island. From the 1820s onward, large-scale migration of Indian workers to Mauritius for sugar plantations laid the foundation for deep demographic ties-today, over 68% of Mauritius's population is of Indian origin (Indo-Mauritians). Diplomatic relations were formally established in 1948, when India appointed a Commissioner to British-ruled Mauritius, even before its independence in 1968. India was among the first nations to recognize Mauritius's sovereignty and has since maintained a High Commission in Port Louis. A pivotal moment came in 1983 with Operation Lal Dora, where India intervened militarily to prevent a coup, solidifying Mauritius's alignment with India's strategic interests in the Indian Ocean.

The relationship is characterized by high-level trust and frequent engagements. Both nations are republics in the Commonwealth of Nations and collaborate closely in international forums on issues like terrorism, piracy, and climate change. Key milestones include:

• 2015: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit elevated ties to a "comprehensive partnership," emphasizing shared maritime security.
• March 2024: President Droupadi Murmu's state visit extended Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) eligibility to Mauritians of Indian descent up to the seventh generation, benefiting around 13,198 OCI holders.
• March 2025: PM Modi's visit to Mauritius for its Independence Day (March 12) upgraded relations to an "enhanced strategic partnership." He was awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius's highest civilian honor. New initiatives included a 25-year roadmap for partnership, support for a new parliament building, and a ?487 crore credit facility for water infrastructure.
• September 2025: Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam's state visit to India, his first bilateral trip in his current term, focused on deepening ties amid geopolitical shifts.

These visits underscore India's "Neighborhood First" policy and Mauritius's role as a key partner in the Global South.

Mauritius serves as a major gateway for Indian investments into Africa, leveraging its bilingual workforce and financial ecosystem. Bilateral trade has grown steadily, though it remains modest compared to potential.

• Key Agreements: The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA, 2021) eliminated tariffs on 87% of Mauritian exports to India. In September 2025, PM Modi announced facilitation of bilateral trade in local currencies (INR and MUR) to reduce transaction costs.
• FDI: Mauritius is India's second-largest FDI source after Singapore, with cumulative inflows of USD 180 billion (2000–March 2025), accounting for 25% of total FDI into India, facilitated by the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC). In FY 2024-25, inflows reached USD 8.34 billion.
• Development Aid: India has provided ~USD 1.1 billion over the last decade (USD 729 million in lines of credit, USD 427 million in grants). Recent additions include a USD 680 million package in September 2025 for infrastructure, healthcare, and maritime security.

Indian exports to Mauritius include pharmaceuticals, cotton, cereals, motor vehicles, and mineral fuels; imports feature medical devices and scrap metals.

Defense and Security Cooperation

Maritime security is a cornerstone, with Mauritius acting as India's "security guarantor" in the Indian Ocean under the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative. Highlights:

• India trains Mauritian forces and deploys Indian officers to command elements of the Mauritius Police Force.
• Agaléga Islands Project: Since 2015, India has funded an airstrip, jetty, and surveillance facilities (USD 353 million package) to enhance connectivity and counter piracy.
• 2025 Developments: A technical agreement for white-shipping data sharing to protect trade routes. The September 2025 pact includes maritime security enhancements.
• Joint efforts combat drug trafficking (Mauritius as a hub) and piracy, with Mauritius supporting India's anti-terrorism stance.

Shared heritage is nurtured through institutions like the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, Indian Cultural Centre (India's largest abroad), World Hindi Secretariat, and over 100 socio-cultural organizations preserving Indian traditions. Mauritius celebrates March 12 (Gandhi's Dandi March) as its National Day. Cultural exchanges include festivals, Hindi promotion, and educational scholarships—Indian universities offer skill programs for Mauritians. The Indian diaspora (26,357 nationals + OCI holders) strengthens bonds.

Recent Developments (2024–2025)

• Space Cooperation: 2023 MoU between ISRO and Mauritius Research and Innovation Council for a joint satellite.
• Digital Integration: Mauritius adopts India's UPI for cashless payments.
• Geopolitical Context: Amid China's growing influence (USD 1.1 billion trade, FTA), India's aid reinforces its role as Mauritius's primary partner. The 2025 MAHASAGAR initiative focuses on trade, capacity-building, and security for the Global South.
• September 12, 2025: During PM Ramgoolam's visit to Varanasi, India and Mauritius signed the USD 680 million pact, emphasizing sovereignty and development under Neighborhood First.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Challenges include trade barriers (high logistics costs), Mauritius's aid dependency, and balancing ties with China, France, and the US. However, convergences in maritime security and economic diversification offer opportunities. The partnership exemplifies South-South cooperation, with potential for a free trade agreement and smart city collaborations modeled on India-Singapore ties.