Context:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth of Mauritius jointly inaugurated an airstrip and a jetty that India has built on Agaléga, a set of two islands in the western Indian Ocean, along with some other community development initiatives.
• The Mauritian dependency of Agaléga comprises two islands — the main North Island, and the smaller South Island, located 1,100 km north of Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, and 2,500 km southwest of Malé, the capital of Maldives.

Significance of good relations with Mauritius:

• Cultural Ties: Approximately 70% of the population of Mauritius is of Indian origin, fostering strong connections between the two nations.
• Strategic Partnership: India benefits from strategic cooperation with Mauritius, particularly in enhancing maritime security and countering common security threats in the Indian Ocean region. This includes cooperation in anti-piracy efforts, maritime domain awareness, and joint patrolling to safeguard sea lanes of communication.
  • The upgraded airstrip and jetty are key strategic projects that can help to expand India’s reach in the Indian Ocean and enhance its coverage of the waters off the east coast of Africa, as it looks to counter the growing Chinese influence in the region, including in the Maldives.
  • Indian defence officers are deputed to the Mauritian Defence Forces. A MEA document mentions that an Indian Navy officer heads the Mauritian National Coast Guard, an Indian Air Force officer commands the Police Helicopter Squadron, and an Indian Naval Officer heads the Mauritius Hydrography Services.
  • About 20 officers from the Indian Defence Forces are on deputation to the country. India has supplied six of the seven helicopters in service in Mauritius, besides five ships, three aircraft, and 10 Fast Interceptor boats, and has helped set up a Coastal Surveillance Radar System.
• Mauritius is a key partner of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and a special partner under Vision SAGAR, and that the two countries have a vibrant, strong, and unique partnership.
• Sustainable Development Assistance: India’s involvement in the development of Agaléga demonstrates its commitment to assisting Mauritius in enhancing its infrastructure, maritime security capabilities, and overall well-being. 
  • India does not believe in economic colonisation of smaller countries by luring them into debt traps. It has demonstrated that its methods of aiding smaller neighbours is more trustworthy and humane, even if somewhat inefficient.  
• Respect for Sovereignty: India’s approach to its relationship with Mauritius emphasizes respect for sovereignty and sensitivity to the concerns of smaller nations. India seeks to build trust and cooperation through transparent and mutually beneficial partnerships, without imposing its agenda or infringing on Mauritius’ sovereignty.
• Economic Partnership: Mauritius serves as an important economic partner for India, with significant bilateral trade and investment ties. India relies on Mauritius as a gateway for investment into Africa due to the strong Indian diaspora presence and favorable tax treaties between the two countries. 
• Regional Stability: A stable and prosperous Mauritius contributes to regional stability in the Indian Ocean region. India benefits from a stable neighborhood, and maintaining a cordial relationship with Mauritius helps prevent the spread of instability or conflict in the region, thereby safeguarding India’s interests.
• Diplomatic Support: Mauritius has historically been supportive of India’s diplomatic initiatives in international forums. Maintaining a positive relationship with Mauritius ensures continued diplomatic support from the country on various global issues, reinforcing India’s position on the global stage.

India has deep strategic stakes in the Indian Ocean. New Delhi has to maintain cordial diplomatic relationships with the governments of island nations in the region while continuously pursuing its strategic interests. In the case of Mauritius, strengthening and maintaining the current relationship will give good returns.