India and Mauritius share an age-old relationship that goes beyond trade, built on cultural, strategic, and economic ties. With 70% of Mauritius’ population tracing its ancestry to India, the connection between the two nations is not just economic but also historical and emotional. Over the years, India has played an important role in Mauritius’ development, providing financial assistance, trade opportunities, and infrastructural support.
As the world moves toward strengthening regional trade partnerships, India and Mauritius continue to nurture a robust economic relationship, with growing bilateral trade, strategic agreements, and development assistance.
Bilateral Trade: A Steady Growth Story
Trade between India and Mauritius has been consistently strong, with total bilateral trade reaching $851.13 million in 2023-24. India maintains a trade surplus, exporting a variety of essential goods while importing select commodities from Mauritius.
India’s Key Exports to Mauritius:
Mineral fuels
Motor vehicles
Cereals
PharmaceuticalsCotton
India’s Key Imports from Mauritius:
Iron and steel
Medical instruments
Aluminum
Articles of wood
The trade basket reflects Mauritius’ reliance on India for energy resources, food supplies, and essential industrial goods, while India imports select raw materials and specialized products from Mauritius.
India’s Role in Mauritius’ Economic Development
Beyond trade, India has played a crucial role in Mauritius’ economic and infrastructural development, extending financial assistance and strategic investment. Over the years, India has provided both credit and grant aid to support Mauritius’ growth:
Lines of Credit: $729 millionGrant Assistance: $427 millionTotal Development Assistance: $1.1 billion
This support has been utilized for various infrastructure projects, healthcare, education, and governance initiatives in Mauritius, strengthening the island nation’s economy and reinforcing India’s role as a dependable partner.
Strengthening Economic Ties Through CECPA
In 2021, India and Mauritius signed the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA), marking a significant step in expanding economic ties. This agreement has enabled:
Easier market access for Indian businesses in Mauritius
Reduction in tariffs on various goods and services
Increased investment opportunities for companies in both nations
With CECPA in place, trade between the two nations is expected to rise further, fostering deeper economic engagement in the coming years.
A Relationship That Continues to Flourish
The India-Mauritius trade partnership is a testament to the strong foundation laid over decades. With historical ties, strategic cooperation, and economic interdependence, the relationship is poised to grow even further.
As Mauritius continues to develop, India remains its trusted ally, offering economic support, investment opportunities, and trade benefits. With a strong economic framework in place and continuous efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation, the future of India-Mauritius trade relations looks promising.
