India and Mauritius on Saturday signed an agreement to improve information sharing and intensify cooperation in the field of maritime security. Apart from fighting piracy, the agreement will also ensure cooperation on preventing human trafficking and drugs.
India also announced a $500 million line of credit to Mauritius. The Credit line Agreement was signed between the SBM Mauritius Infrastructure Development Company and Export-Import Bank of India.
“We have to keep up our vigil against piracy that impacts trade and tourism, trafficking of drugs and humans, illegal fishing, and other forms of illegal exploitation of marine resources,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said about the agreement following the bilateral talks with Mauritian PM Pravind Jugnauth.
“As frontline states of the Indian Ocean, Prime Minister Jugnauth and I agree it is our responsibility to ensure collective maritime security around our coasts and in our exclusive economic zones.
We agree that effective management of conventional and non-conventional threats in the Indian Ocean is essential to pursue economic opportunities, protect the livelihood of our communities, and provide security to our people. And, for this India-Mauritius cooperation is very, very important,” Modi added.
This is Jugnauth’s first overseas visit after taking over as Prime Minister of Mauritius earlier this year. And interestingly, Mauritius was Modi’s first destination in the Indian Ocean region in March 2015.
Thanking India for its support, Jugnauth said that the conclusion of the bilateral Maritime Security Agreement will strengthen our mutual cooperation and capacities. He added the two countries need to ensure that the sea lanes of communications are safe and secure and regular patrolling is conducted to combat illegal activities.
Modi said the agreement on loC will help in the implementation of priority projects. “India will extend full support for the timely execution of projects identified between our countries. Projects that will vitalise the economy of Mauritius and mark a qualitative transformation in our relations,” Modi said.
Besides the line of credit, India will also help setting up of a Civil Services College in Mauritius and the two countries will join hands for research and education in Marine Sciences and Technology. India is already supporting the National Coast Guard of Mauritius in augmenting its capacity through Project Trident. Besides, work on India-funded Metro Express Project from Curepipe to Port louis is in full swing. India had in January this year declared a special carve-out on OCI cards only for Mauritius and the national airlines of two countries have agreed to enhance their code sharing arrangement to new destinations.
“We have also taken a decision to renew the life of the Coast Guard Ship Guardian, that was provided to Mauritius, under a grant assistance programme,” Modi added.
Jugnauth informed Modi about the ratification of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) by Mauritius. Modi said signing and ratification of the framework agreement on ISA has opened up new vistas of regional partnership for both countries in this field.