S. Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Mauritius on July 16-17 for high-level meetings with the country’s political leadership and to conduct a thorough review of bilateral relations. This visit marks one of Jaishankar’s first significant diplomatic engagements following his re-appointment after the recent general elections. It follows the visit of Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth to India last month for the swearing-in of the new cabinet and council of ministers.
Mauritius has been a key beneficiary of India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, exemplified by the joint inauguration of a strategic airstrip and jetty on the island in February, an infrastructure upgrade fully funded by Indian grants. This development underscores the strategic and economic importance India places on its relationship with Mauritius.
S. Jaishankar, who previously visited Mauritius in February 2021, is set to hold meetings with Prime Minister Jugnauth and other senior ministers in the Mauritian government. Additionally, he will engage with other prominent leaders in the country, enhancing diplomatic ties and fostering mutual cooperation. The external affairs ministry highlighted the visit as an opportunity for both nations to comprehensively assess and advance various aspects of their bilateral relationship.
The visit is a testament to the significance of the India-Mauritius relationship and reflects India’s broader “Neighbourhood First” policy, as well as the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision. It also emphasizes India’s commitment to the Global South, promoting development and stability in the region.
India and Mauritius share modern digital connectivity frameworks, including the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and RuPay Card, facilitating seamless financial transactions between the two countries. India has consistently been a first responder to Mauritius during crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic and environmental emergencies like oil spills.
Over the past decade, India has extended significant financial support to Mauritius, providing credit lines worth approximately $1 billion and additional assistance of $400 million. This financial aid has been instrumental in developing vital infrastructure, including a metro service, social housing projects, hospitals, civil service colleges, and sports complexes. These initiatives highlight India’s ongoing commitment to supporting Mauritius’s development and enhancing bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.
