The burgeoning strategic partnership between India and Mauritius, increasingly viewed as a microcosm of evolving dynamics within the Global South, is currently undergoing a significant reassessment. Recent diplomatic engagements, culminating in Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam’s state visit (September 9-16, 2025), highlight a deliberate, if somewhat cautious, shift in priorities, driven by geopolitical realignments and shared concerns regarding regional security and economic stability. The visit, following a reciprocal visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Mauritius in March 2025, represents a consolidation of a relationship long predicated on trade and historical ties, but now interwoven with a more complex calculus.
The relationship’s roots extend back to the 1960s, solidified by Mauritius’s independence and India’s initial support. However, the 21st century has witnessed a crucial evolution, particularly within the framework of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the broader ‘Vision MAHASAGAR’ initiative. Vision MAHASAGAR, established in 2019, aims to secure India’s maritime interests and foster collaboration across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Mauritius, strategically located at the southern gateway to the IOR, is a vital node within this strategy. “Mauritius’s location makes it a critical partner in India’s efforts to maintain stability and security in a volatile region,” states Dr. Anjali Sharma, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Strategic Studies, New Delhi. “The shared interest in countering maritime piracy, terrorism, and illegal trafficking are increasingly framing the bilateral agenda.”
Key stakeholders – the Modi government in India and the Ramgoolam administration in Mauritius – are navigating a landscape increasingly shaped by the rise of China’s influence in the IOR. China’s growing naval presence and expanding economic footprint, particularly through infrastructure investments, pose a direct challenge to India’s strategic interests. Mauritius’s vulnerability to Chinese economic and political pressure, combined with the island nation’s dependence on Indian trade and investment, presents a delicate balancing act. The visit’s agenda, including discussions on defense cooperation, intelligence sharing, and infrastructure development – particularly in maritime security – reflects this strategic urgency. The planned visits to Mumbai, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Tirupati, intended to foster people-to-people connections and demonstrate India’s commitment to Mauritius’s development, are inextricably linked to the security dimension.
Recent developments over the preceding six months have underscored this dynamic. In June 2025, a joint naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the Mauritian Coast Guard focused on anti-piracy operations in the Mozambique Channel, a key maritime artery for trade between India and East Africa. This demonstrated a tangible application of the strategic partnership beyond purely diplomatic engagements. Furthermore, the ongoing negotiations regarding a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) – currently stalled due to disagreements over tariff rates – highlight the economic pressures involved. While India seeks to enhance Mauritius’s economic integration into global supply chains, Mauritius, a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), is acutely aware of its vulnerability to economic coercion.
Looking ahead, the next six months will likely witness continued efforts to resolve the FTA impasse. However, the long-term (5-10 years) trajectory of the relationship is contingent on several factors. Firstly, the future of China’s influence in the IOR remains paramount. A further escalation of tensions could accelerate the strengthening of India-Mauritius cooperation, potentially leading to increased naval deployments and joint security initiatives. Secondly, Mauritius’s economic diversification efforts – aiming to reduce its reliance on sugar exports and attract foreign investment – will play a critical role. India’s support in this regard, particularly through technology transfer and skill development programs, is expected to be a key component of the partnership. “Mauritius is at a crucial juncture,” explains Professor Rajan Singh, a specialist in Indian foreign policy at the University of Warwick. “Its ability to leverage its strategic location while simultaneously addressing its economic vulnerabilities will determine the sustainability of this partnership.” Finally, the geopolitical landscape surrounding the Taiwan Strait will exert considerable pressure on the IOR, potentially prompting further alignment between India and Mauritius. The shared concern over regional stability – particularly regarding potential Chinese expansion – presents a powerful, if often unspoken, rationale for enhanced cooperation. The carefully calibrated approach being taken by both governments suggests a genuine commitment to a long-term partnership, but one that will undoubtedly require ongoing vigilance and strategic recalibration in an increasingly complex world. The strategic reassessment is now underway, driven by shared anxieties and a growing awareness of the power dynamics shaping the Indian Ocean Region.