New Delhi: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to visit Mauritius on March 11-12, the stage is set for a significant boost in bilateral relations between the two nations. This visit, coinciding with Mauritius’ national day celebrations, marks a pivotal moment in their strategic partnership, with Modi serving as the chief guest. The trip is expected to culminate in the signing of several key agreements aimed at enhancing economic and strategic ties.
During his visit, India and Mauritius are poised to sign agreements in critical areas such as white shipping, capacity building, trade, and combating cross-border financial crimes. These agreements will build upon the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) signed in 2021, which marked India’s first trade deal with an African nation. In the financial year 2023-24, India’s exports to Mauritius reached USD 778.03 million, while Mauritian exports to India were USD 73.10 million, totaling USD 851.13 million in trade.
The launch of the RuPay card and Unified Payment Interface (UPI) in Mauritius has been instrumental in enhancing financial connectivity and boosting tourism. Additionally, Mauritius is working to reduce its debt ratio from 83% to 60% of GDP with the support of development partners. This visit is particularly significant as it provides early engagement between the two governments following recent elections in Mauritius.
India’s development assistance to Mauritius will also be highlighted during the visit, with the inauguration of projects such as the civil service college and Area Health Centre. These initiatives underscore the deepening partnership between the two nations, which is built on shared history, culture, and strategic interests.
