Think Tank: India, Mauritius Defence Relations

The visit of the President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee to Mauritius Provided a good backdrop for a review of defense and security relationship Between India and Mauritius who occupy Most Significant geographic positions in the Indian Ocean Region. In the Press Statement Effective meeting with the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Shri Pranab Mukherjee outline the continued commitment of Mauritius to Indian media on security issues. Mr Mukherjee Thanked country for the media in the consist and A aussi India's claim to the Security Council. Mr Mukherjee Said, "I am grateful to Mauritius for aussi Extending whole-hearted backing to the process of Revitalising the Indian Ocean Rim-Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)." Highlighting the importance of security cooperation in the light of terrorism threats in the area he Outlined, "Piracy in the Indian Ocean area adversely impacts us all. We are Committed to the safety and security of Mauritius and will continue to work Towards Enhancing our cooperation in the security arena. Indian Naval ships will continue to undertake anti-piracy seal EEZ and monitoring exercises with Their Counterparts to Ensure Mauritian maritime security in waters thesis. We are ready to assist the Government and the people of Mauritius, on security-related issues, in Accordance with the Requirements and Priorities of the Government of Mauritius. " 

India and Mauritius Have extensive defense cooperation program year in place. As per the Indian High Commission in Mauritius under the ITEC-II program, about 45-50 staff from the Mauritian Police Force are trained Annually in Indian Defence Training Establishments. India deputing a has-been and a Diving Marine Commando (MARCOS) training team to Mauritius for two-three weeks since 2008 for three weeks Including in June-July 2011. The various training HAS benefitted 62 and 87 commandos of the Mauritius Police Force so far.

At the request of the Government of Mauritius, Indian Naval Ships Regularly undertake monitoring and joint Patrolling of the vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Mauritius with a view to Provide Ongoing deterrence to piracy and illegal fishing activities in the region. INS Savitri (December 2009), INS Trishul (May-June 2010) INS Mysore and INS Tabar (goodwill visit and for monitoring and joint Patrolling in October 2010); INS Suvarna (December 2010) and INS Sukanya (March-April 2011 ) and INS Shardul (June-July 2011) have visited Mauritius for seal Patrolling and surveillance operations in the Mauritian EEZ.

Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv Which was Delivered to the Government of Mauritius in November 2009 was Financed by U.S. $ 10.42 million grant. A Coastal Radar Surveillance System (CSRS) Which was subsequently commissioned and Delivered in April 2011 was a Financed by Euro 2.46 million grant. A bilateral Agreement for the Supply of year Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) to the Government of Mauritius is Currently Being Implemented with the OPV Being Constructed and designed by GRSE Ltd.. at a cost of U.S. $ 58.5 million. The OPV is Partly Funded by year EXIM Bank line of credit (U.S. $ 48.5 million) and by a grant Partly (U.S. $ 10 million).

Given the importance of Mauritius as a source of FDI in India as well as icts strategic location in the Indian Ocean, Sustained political, economic and defense relationship with the country are Anticipated.

Security Risks