Mauritius and India deepen strategic partnership with new agreements

A new chapter in the longstanding partnership between Mauritius and India unfolded, this evening, as the Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, and India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, jointly presided over a series of landmark initiatives at the Receptorium of the National Assembly in Port Louis.

In his address, Prime Minister Ramgoolam reaffirmed the strong and enduring partnership between Mauritius and India whilst highlighting that Dr Jaishankar’s visit reflects the deep trust and solidarity binding the two nations. He underpinned that both leaders held a productive one-to-one meeting followed by extensive discussions with high-level delegations, covering a broad range of bilateral and global issues.

The Prime Minister expressed profound gratitude to the Government of India for its continued support, particularly in challenging times. He emphasised that India’s support continues to serve as a beacon of hope as the world confronts the widespread repercussions of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. While acknowledging the recently announced ceasefire, he cautioned that the situation remains fragile and reiterated the shared position of Mauritius and India in favour of a peaceful, diplomatic resolution.

Dr Ramgoolam further outlined key areas of cooperation discussed during the meetings, including the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, maritime security, digital connectivity, and the implementation of the Special Economic Package 2025. He welcomed India’s issuance of new Income Tax (Amendment) Rules 2026, which provide clarity on the application of anti-avoidance provisions and reaffirm protections under the existing tax framework.

A significant milestone of the event was the signing of a Letter of Exchange to advance multi-dimensional development projects under the Special Economic Package. The agreement is expected to enhance collaboration in sectors such as maritime security, ICT, innovation, and renewable energy, while also strengthening Mauritius’ resilience in the face of evolving geopolitical and energy challenges. PM Ramgoolam also announced that a Government-to-Government agreement on oil and gas supply is nearing finalisation.

Furthermore, Dr Ramgoolam welcomed Mauritius’ inclusion in the America-India Connect Cable project, as announced by Sundar Pichai, noting that it underscores the strategic and forward-looking nature of the Mauritius–India partnership.

For his part, Dr Jaishankar highlighted the significant progress achieved in bilateral relations over the past year between the two nations. He noted that recent engagements between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Ramgoolam, including Dr Ramgoolam’s visits to India, have helped advance cooperation across key sectors.

Dr Jaishankar underscored India’s continued support to Mauritius’ development agenda, pointing to concrete outcomes such as the implementation of the Special Economic Package and the inauguration of a Renal Transplant Unit at Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in Rose Belle. He added that broader health cooperation includes support for medical infrastructure and the upcoming Ayush Centre of Excellence.

Highlighting collaboration in sustainable development, the Indian Foreign Minister pointed to ongoing initiatives in renewable energy, including solar and wind projects, as well as the deployment of electric buses to promote greener transportation.

He further stressed the people-centric nature of the partnership, noting that 100 community development projects are being implemented across Mauritius, Rodrigues, and Agalega, with additional initiatives planned under a second phase programme.

Defence and security cooperation also featured prominently, with plans to post an Indian Defence Attaché in Mauritius, alongside continued collaboration in training and capacity building. The launch of the iGOT Karmayogi digital platform and expanding educational exchanges were cited as key milestones in strengthening institutional ties.

Reiterating India’s foreign policy priorities, including its Neighbourhood First approach and Vision MAHASAGAR, Dr Jaishankar affirmed India’s steadfast commitment to further consolidating its special and enduring partnership with Mauritius.

Community Projects, Royalty Cheques, iGOT Karmayogi platform and MoU

During the ceremony, both leaders e-inaugurated 11 High Impact Community Development Projects, reflecting concrete progress in improving healthcare, education, and community infrastructure across Mauritius. Royalty cheques for the sale of nautical charts were also handed over, underscoring ongoing economic cooperation.

A key highlight was the launch of the iGOT Karmayogi platform, an Indian digital initiative aimed at enhancing the skills and efficiency of public sector officials.

An MoU was also signed to implement projects worth USD 655 million under India’s Special Economic Package 2025. The package includes USD 215 million in grants for priority projects such as a new Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital, an Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence, a Veterinary School and Animal Hospital, and helicopters. A further USD 440 million blended finance facility will support major infrastructure projects, including a new air traffic control tower, the M4 Motorway, Ring Road Phase II, and port equipment upgrades.

Dr Jaishankar is on an official visit to Mauritius from 09 to 11 April 2026 in the context of the Indian Ocean Conference, which brings together regional and international stakeholders to address key challenges in the Indian Ocean region.

Prior to the inauguration ceremony, the External Affairs Indian Minister had paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Ramgoolam.

09 April 2026

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Topics: Diplomacy, Others