PM Modi / Population 12 lakh, distance 5000 Km, Why is PM giving so much importance to this country?

PM Modi: Though it is a country with a population of just 12 lakhs, but its strategic importance in the Indian Ocean is very big. This small island country with 48% Hindu population is located at a distance of about 5100 kilometers from India-its name is Mauritius. In recent years, it has emerged as an important pillar of India's foreign policy. Especially under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has seen Mauritius not only as a cultural partner but has also given importance as a strategic ally.

PM Modi's conversation with Navin Ramgoolam

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi spoke to Mauritius Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam over the phone. He wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "I was happy to talk to my friend Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam. We exchanged views on further strengthening the India-Mauritius strategic partnership and regional development." PM Modi also thanked him for his active participation in the 11th International Yoga Day.

PM Modi's Mauritius visit in March

In March 2025, PM Modi visited Mauritius on a two-day visit, where he attended the country's National Day celebrations as the chief guest. This was the second time he received this honor—the first time he was the chief guest in 2015. This time he was awarded Mauritius' highest civilian honor, which was the first time an Indian leader received it.

Vision Sagar to Vision Mahasagar

India's maritime policy has now moved from 'Vision Sagar' to 'Vision Mahasagar'. This change is not just of words, but of strategy—where earlier there was an emphasis on maritime security, now the focus is being on major issues like economic cooperation, sharing of resources and countering China's influence.

Mauritius' role in 'Vision Mahasagar' is very important. This policy of India not only strengthens regional security, but also expands the presence of the Indian Navy in the sea routes. Activities like India's military exercises, information sharing and coastal surveillance with Mauritius are proof of this.

India-Mauritius: Together in Crisis

India has always stood by Mauritius in times of crisis and built a relationship of trust—be it the 2020 Wakashio oil spill or the Covid-19 pandemic. India was the first country to send 1 lakh free doses of Covishield to Mauritius in 2021. This was followed by more vaccines on a commercial basis.

Deepening of economic ties

In FY 2023-24, India exported US$ 778.03 million to Mauritius, while imports stood at only $ 73.10 million. The total trade was $ 851.13 million, which has more than quadrupled from $ 206.76 million in 2005-06. This shows that India is deepening ties with Mauritius not only strategically, but also economically.