Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Mauritius on March 11-12, at the invitation of Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, to attend the island nation’s national day celebrations and deepen bilateral ties. The two-day visit will focus on boosting maritime security cooperation and signing multiple agreements to enhance collaboration in trade, capacity building, and combating financial crimes.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that Modi’s visit will feature the signing of a technical agreement between the Indian Navy and Mauritian authorities to share white shipping information. This pact aims to curb illegal activities and enhance Mauritius’ maritime awareness in the region. Additionally, an MoU between India’s National Centre for Ocean Information Services and Mauritius’ Prime Minister’s Office will establish a framework for cooperation in ocean research and maritime zone management.

The leaders will also sign agreements to promote small and medium enterprises, bilateral trade, and capacity building. A significant MoU between India’s Enforcement Directorate and Mauritius’ Financial Crime Commission will strengthen efforts to tackle money laundering and cross-border financial crimes through intelligence sharing and technical assistance. Modi and Ramgoolam will jointly inaugurate a civil service college and a health center, both funded by Indian grants.

India will showcase its military ties during the visit, with an Indian Navy warship, a contingent of armed forces, and the Akash Ganga skydiving team participating in the national day events. Modi will also meet senior Mauritian leaders and engage with the Indian-origin community, which forms nearly 70% of Mauritius’ 1.2 million population.

India and Mauritius share longstanding ties, with India being a key trading partner since 2005. Bilateral trade reached USD 554 million in 2022-23, a 132% increase from USD 206 million in 2005-06, reflecting the growing partnership between the two maritime neighbors.