The India-Mauritius relationship is rooted in shared history, culture, and very robust people-to-people ties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Mauritius on March 11-12, 2025 is set to impart a fresh impetus to bilateral relations between the two nations with extensive discussions lined up with the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navin Ramgoolam. Prime Minister Modi earlier visited Mauritius in 2015.

Describing the visit as “timely”, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Saturday (March 8, 2025) that it would enable both sides “to take stock of bilateral ties and provide orientation to engagement in the coming months and years”. He was interacting with the media during a special briefing on the visit.

Prime Minister Modi will be the Chief Guest for the National Day celebrations of Mauritius on March 12, 2025 which will see participation by a contingent of the Indian defence forces, including the Indian Air Force’s Akash Ganga team. An Indian Navy ship will also visit Mauritius to mark the occasion.

In Port Louis, Prime Minister Modi will call on President Dharambeer Gokhool. This will be followed by bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Ramgoolam. 

According to Foreign Secretary Misri, the two Prime Ministers will inaugurate projects that have come up with Indian assistance. They will also witness the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on cooperation in the field of capacity building, bilateral trade, tackling of cross-border financial crimes, and promoting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Additionally, Prime Minister Modi will interact with members of the Indian community, friends of India, and socio-cultural organisations.

Referring to the MoU signed during Prime Minister Modi’s visit in 2015 on the improvement of facilities on Agalega Island for sea and air connectivity, Foreign Secretary Misri said the project was inaugurated by Prime Ministers of both the countries last year. “The new facilities have contributed to enhancing connectivity between the island and mainland Mauritius,” he said, adding that these had helped in relief efforts after the devastating cyclone in 2024.

Responding to another question, Foreign Secretary Misri said, “India supported Mauritius in its stance on sovereignty over Chagos island. This is in keeping with our tradition of supporting decolonisation and support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries”. He referred to negotiations between Mauritius and the United Kingdom, adding that they appeared to have arrived at a mutually acceptable deal.

The India-Mauritius relationship is rooted in shared history, culture, and very robust people-to-people ties, Misri noted, adding that Mauritius is one of the key partners in the Indian Ocean Region. “It was in Mauritius that Prime Minister Modi articulated the vision of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region), in 2025,” Foreign Secretary Misri added.

A key reason for the special ties is the fact that Indian-origin people comprise nearly 70 per cent of the island nation's population of 1.2 million (12 lakh).

According to official data, India has been among the largest trading partners of Mauritius since 2005. For the financial year 2022-2023, Indian exports to Mauritius were USD 462 million, while Mauritian exports to India were USD 91.5 million. The total trade volume was USD 554 million.

Trade has grown by 132 per cent in the last 17 years, from USD 206 million in 2005-06 to USD 554 million in 2022-23.

Foreign Secretary Misri paid a three-day visit to Mauritius in December 2024, marking the first high-level engagement between New Delhi and Port Louis after the formation of the new government in the island nation.

In his meeting with Prime Minister Ramgoolam, Foreign Secretary Misri reiterated India’s commitment to supporting the development, progress, and prosperity of Mauritius.

The visit followed a congratulatory phone call from PM Modi to PM Ramgoolam on November 11, 2024, shortly after the latter’s electoral victory. Foreign Secretary Misri’s visit reinforced this sentiment and emphasized the importance India attaches to its relationship with Mauritius.