• India offers $680M aid to Mauritius for key sectors

• Funds to support hospital, airport, port, and security

• Seven bilateral deals signed; trade heavily favors India

India will provide a special economic package worth $680 million to Mauritius, said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during a press briefing on the visit of Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam (September 9 to 16).

According to The Tribune India, the aid, which includes grants and credit lines, will support maritime security, infrastructure, and healthcare.

The package allocates an initial $215 million for several projects, including the construction of a new Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital, the supply of helicopters for Mauritius, the construction of a veterinary school, and the creation of an Ayush Center of Excellence.

An additional $440 million will be used to complete the new air traffic control tower at Mauritius' international airport, acquire port equipment, and develop the M4 motorway. The package also includes $25 million in budgetary assistance for the current fiscal year.

Beyond the financial aid, the two nations have agreed to collaborate on rehabilitating and restructuring Mauritius' port, as well as on developing and monitoring the Chagos Marine Protected Area.

Additionally, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritian counterpart signed seven bilateral agreements spanning education, public administration, energy, hydrography, technology, and space cooperation.

“India and Mauritius are two nations, but our dreams and destiny are one," Modi said. "India has always supported decolonization and the full recognition of Mauritius's sovereignty. And in this, India has stood firmly with Mauritius."

While the political cooperation between the two countries is highlighted as a win-win partnership, the trade balance currently heavily favors India. According to TradeMap, Mauritius exported approximately $45 million in goods to India in 2024, while importing $746 million from the Asian country.

Espoir Olodo