India-Mauritius Enhanced Strategic Partnership: An Expert’s view

Today, we’re joined by Dr. Anya Sharma, a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Global Maritime Studies, to discuss the recently announced Enhanced Strategic Partnership between India and Mauritius.Dr. Sharma, welcome to Archyde.

Thank you for having me.

Decoding the Enhanced strategic Partnership

Dr. Sharma, can you elaborate on what this “Enhanced Strategic Partnership” actually entails? What’s different from the previous relationship?

The elevation signifies a deepening and broadening of cooperation across several key sectors. While India and Mauritius have always enjoyed close ties, this new level formalizes a more proactive and comprehensive approach, particularly regarding maritime security, economic cooperation, and shared strategic vision in the Indian Ocean.

Maritime Security and the Indian Ocean

Maritime security seems to be a central pillar. How will this partnership impact the security landscape of the Indian ocean, especially concerning Mauritius’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)?

Absolutely. India’s commitment to providing increased maritime assets, like ships and aircraft, to safeguard Mauritius’ EEZ is a notable development. This directly addresses concerns about regional stability and security, particularly considering increasing activities by other actors. The utilization of the new infrastructure on Agalega islands will also be crucial for monitoring and securing the region.

Vision ‘Mahasagar’ and Global South Cooperation

The partnership also emphasizes “Vision ‘Mahasagar'” – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. Could you explain the significance of this vision in the context of the Global South?

vision ‘Mahasagar’ is about promoting collective security and sustainable development within the Global South. It stresses a collaborative approach to address common challenges such as maritime security threats, climate change, and economic vulnerabilities. The Indo-Mauritian partnership can serve as a model for other nations in the region seeking to enhance their own security and prosperity through mutual cooperation.

Economic Cooperation and Future Growth

Beyond security, what are the key areas of economic cooperation that this partnership will focus on?

Economic cooperation will center on trade for development, capacity building for sustainable growth, and mutual security for a shared future. This includes investments in Mauritius infrastructure, skill development programs, and initiatives to boost trade and investment flows between the two countries. By focusing on sustainable growth,the partnership aims to create long-term economic benefits for both nations.

Defense and Maritime Cooperation

Prime Minister Modi pledged to fulfill all the needs of the local coast guard. How significant is India’s commitment to assisting in setting up the police academy and National Maritime Facts Sharing Center in Mauritius?

This is immensely significant. Establishing a police academy and a National Maritime Facts Sharing Center will enhance Mauritius’s capacity to independently address security challenges. The sharing of real-time maritime intelligence will be critical for effective maritime domain awareness and coordinated responses to potential threats within the EEZ.

A Thought-Provoking question

Given the increasing geopolitical complexities in the Indian Ocean, do you believe this Enhanced Strategic Partnership will be enough to safeguard the interests of both India and Mauritius in the long run? What further steps might be necessary?

That’s a vrey vital question. while this Enhanced Strategic Partnership is a significant step in the right direction,the geopolitical landscape is constantly evolving. Continuous assessment, adaptation, and deeper collaboration with other like-minded nations in the region might be necessary to ensure long-term security and stability. It’s a dynamic situation that requires proactive engagement and a willingness to adapt to emerging challenges.

Dr.sharma,thank you for sharing your insights with us today.

My pleasure.

What are your thoughts on the India-Mauritius Enhanced Strategic Partnership? Leave your comments below!