India and Mauritius have shared a close partnership since 1948, even before Mauritius gained independence. Over the years, their ties have evolved into a multifaceted collaboration spanning trade, investment, education, and culture. India has emerged as one of Mauritius’ leading trading partners, accounting for 11% of the island nation’s total imports in 2024, while Mauritius contributes significantly to India’s foreign direct investment. With robust economic engagement, strong people-to-people links, and vibrant cultural exchanges benefiting over 2,500 students, the partnership continues to thrive across multiple sectors.
Trade and Investment
In the last five years, India has been among Mauritius’ leading trading partners. In 2024, India accounted for 11% of Mauritius’ total imports, ranking third among its top trading partners. Indian exports to Mauritius have fluctuated over the years, with USD 776 million in 2019, USD 405 million in 2020, USD 808 million in 2021, USD 632 million in 2022, USD 646 million in 2023, and USD 766 million in 2024. Key Indian exports include pharmaceuticals, cotton, cereals, motor vehicles, and mineral fuels.
India also supplies raw materials such as yarn and fabrics to support Mauritius’ textile and clothing industry. Mauritian exports to India have grown steadily, with USD 24 million in 2019, USD 32 million in 2020, USD 45 million in 2021, USD 57 million in 2022, USD 55 million in 2023, and USD 46 million in 2024.
The main products exported from Mauritius to India include medical devices, waste and scrap of cast iron, aluminium, alloy steel, and lead-acid accumulators.
Mauritius is also a significant source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India. Since 2000, cumulative FDI inflows from Mauritius have reached USD 177 billion, around 25% of India’s total FDI, facilitated by the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC). In FY 2023–24, Mauritius was India’s second-largest source of FDI after Singapore, with equity inflows worth USD 7.97 billion.
Notably, Indian companies have invested more than USD 200 million in Mauritius over the past five years.
Development and cultural linkages
India’s developmental footprint in Mauritius is visible across the island nation. Institutions such as the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, the World Hindi Secretariat, and the Indian Cultural Centre — the largest of its kind globally — serve as pillars of cultural and educational exchange. The Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture (IGCIC), established in 1987, continues to be India’s largest cultural centre abroad, offering classes in Hindustani music, Kathak, Tabla, and Yoga to over 2,500 Mauritian students annually.
Additionally, more than a hundred Mauritian socio-cultural organisations actively work to preserve and promote Indian heritage and traditions, underscoring the deep-rooted cultural ties.
Indian community in Mauritius
The Indian diaspora plays a vital role in reinforcing bilateral ties. Currently, 26,357 Indian nationals and 13,198 Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card holders reside in Mauritius. A significant development occurred during President Droupadi Murmu’s state visit in March 2024, when India extended OCI eligibility to Mauritian nationals with Indian lineage traceable up to the seventh generation.
Tourism and education
Tourism and education are also strong connectors. Since 2004, Mauritius has allowed visa-free entry for Indian tourists, while Mauritian nationals receive gratis visas to India. In pre-pandemic years, around 80,000 Indian tourists visited Mauritius annually, and nearly 30,000 Mauritians travelled to India. These numbers are now steadily recovering.
Presently, more than 2,300 Indian students are pursuing higher education in Mauritius, particularly in medicine, hotel management, and business studies.
India and Mauritius continue to build on their historical, cultural, and economic bonds. The relationship has matured into a multifaceted partnership that not only enhances bilateral growth but also contributes to regional stability and global cooperation, serving as a model of friendship and collaboration in the Indian Ocean region.