Strong economic ties
India and Mauritius Enduring Partnership in Growth: India has emerged as one of the top trading partners of Mauritius, with key exports such as pharmaceuticals, cotton, cereals, motor vehicles, and mineral fuels. On the other hand, Mauritius is a vital source of investment into India. Nearly 25% of India’s cumulative FDI inflows since 2000 have originated from Mauritius.
Indian companies have invested more than USD 200 million in Mauritius over the past five years, reflecting a growing commercial bond. Static GK fact: Mauritius ranks among the top sources of FDI inflows to India due to the India-Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).
Development partnership
India has supported Mauritius’ development journey through grants, Lines of Credit, and special packages. Projects such as the Metro Express, the Supreme Court building, and large-scale social housing projects are key examples.
During crises, India has consistently stood by Mauritius, including providing medical supplies during Covid-19 and assistance during the Wakashio oil-spill. This has reinforced India’s role as a first responder for its partner nation.
Cultural and historical connection
Around 70% of Mauritius’s population traces its roots to India, making cultural and people-to-people ties a strong pillar of the relationship. The history of Girmitiyas, or indentured Indian labourers, is central to this bond.
Static GK fact: The first group of Indian indentured workers was taken to Mauritius in 1834, and the Aapravasi Ghat in Port Louis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site marking their arrival.
Strategic and geopolitical importance
Mauritius occupies a strategic location in the Western Indian Ocean, an area of growing geopolitical competition. Its location gives it significance for India’s maritime security, connectivity, and outreach to Africa.
The island nation is an important partner in India’s MAHASAGAR Vision and the Neighbourhood First policy. It acts as a crucial gateway to Africa, enhancing India’s trade and security footprint in the Indian Ocean Region.
Static GK Tip: Mauritius is part of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), of which India is a founding member.
Way forward
India and Mauritius share a unique blend of cultural, economic, and strategic linkages. With expanding investment flows, critical infrastructure projects, and close maritime cooperation, the partnership continues to remain a time-tested and trusted example of South-South cooperation.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India and Mauritius Enduring Partnership in Growth:
| Topic | Detail |
| Major trading exports from India to Mauritius | Pharmaceuticals, cotton, cereals, motor vehicles, mineral fuels |
| Share of Mauritius in India’s cumulative FDI inflows | Around 25% since 2000 |
| Indian investment in Mauritius (past five years) | Over USD 200 million |
| Key Indian-supported projects | Metro Express, Supreme Court building, Social Housing |
| India’s crisis support | Covid-19 supplies, Wakashio oil-spill assistance |
| Population of Indian origin in Mauritius | Around 70% |
| Historical note on Indian diaspora | Girmitiyas first brought in 1834, Aapravasi Ghat UNESCO site |
| Strategic importance | Location in Western Indian Ocean, gateway to Africa |
| Policies linking Mauritius to India | MAHASAGAR Vision, Neighbourhood First policy |
| International organization | Member of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) |
