Modi’s two-day state visit to Mauritius, the second offered by the Indian leader after 2015, is a testimony to India’s dedication to strengthening bilateral ties with the island nation. Having been invited to be the chief guest at celebrations marking Mauritius’ National Day on March 12, this stands as a deafening affirmation of India’s resolve to further bilateral relations with the island nation. Located strategically in the western Indian Ocean, Mauritius has often occupied a significant place in India’s foreign policy.
Almost 70 per cent of its 1.2 million-strong population comes from Indian lineage, owing to the indentured labour under which many Indian labourers migrated to this island in the colonial era. The historical kinship has built-in Mauritius a social framework, traditions, and linguistic diversity, thereby giving Indian languages, i.e. Hindi, and Tamil, wide usage.
This deeply rooted relationship transitioned gradually from a purely cultural affinity to strong economic partnerships, strategic cooperation, and diplomatic engagements through the ages. Mauritius’ National Day is historically linked with India and is of great importance, given that it was the stopover of Gandhi as he travelled from South Africa to India and delivered, in the year 1901 while on the island, three powerful messages to Indian labourers: education, political participation, and connections with their ancestral homeland.
These messages shaped the socio-political awakening of the Indian community in Mauritius. In honour of Gandhi’s visit and his legacy, March 12-the date of the historic Dandi March was chosen by Mauritius to commemorate National Day to symbolize its wave of independence and self-determination.
Participation of the Prime Minister in Mauritius’ National Day celebrations serves to not only reflect India’s unique relationship with the island nation but also confirm India’s vision on a larger scale to establish robust regional relations under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policies.
Edited by Saumya Sharan
