India-Mauritius Relations: A Partnership Rooted in Culture and Strategy
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (Bilateral relations, India's foreign policy - Neighbourhood First, SAGAR); Indian Economy (Jan Aushadhi Kendra); Governance (Mission Karmayogi); Geography (Map location of Mauritius, Indian Ocean Region, EEZ).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations): India and its neighborhood- relations; Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India; The role of Indian diaspora. Mauritius is a key partner for India in the Indian Ocean Region.
General Studies Paper 3 (Security): Security challenges and their management in border areas (maritime security).
Key Highlights from the News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam held bilateral talks in Varanasi, India's cultural capital.
Prime Minister Modi described India and Mauritius as "not just partners but a family," highlighting the deep civilisational ties between the two countries.
Mauritius is an integral part of India's "Neighbourhood First" policy.
Key Understandings and Announcements:
India announced a special economic package for Mauritius' infrastructure, health, and employment sectors.
The first Jan Aushadhi Kendra outside India was established in Mauritius.
India will collaborate to establish an AYUSH Centre of Excellence.
To strengthen maritime security, a joint hydrography project will be conducted in Mauritius' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
India's Mission Karmayogi training programs, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of government officials, will also be launched in Mauritius.
Both leaders affirmed that a free, open, and secure Indian Ocean is a common priority for both countries.
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