What happened?
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi will visit Mauritius on 11-12 March 2025 as the Guest of Honour for the nation’s 57th National Day celebrations. The invitation was extended by Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, who highlighted the significance of PM Modi’s presence, marking the enduring friendship between the two countries.
Why it matters to India:
PM Modi’s visit reinforces India’s long-standing strategic partnership with Mauritius, rooted in shared history, culture, and demography, with nearly 70% of Mauritius’ population being of Indian origin. This engagement aligns with India’s Neighbourhood First, Vision Sagar, Global South, and Africa Forward policies, which prioritise strengthening relations with key Indian Ocean nations. India’s support for Mauritius in its sovereignty claim over the Chagos Archipelago, successfully transferred from British to Mauritian control in October 2024, exemplifies the deep diplomatic trust between the two nations. Modi’s visit is expected to bolster defence, maritime cooperation, and economic partnerships while promoting people-to-people ties. Strengthening India’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region through Mauritius is crucial for ensuring regional security, countering emerging maritime challenges, and enhancing India’s role as a net security provider.