“The view, in Delhi, is that Mauritius is one of the most successful examples of India’s development partnership”

Anurag Srivastava, High Commissioner of India to Mauritius.

India and Mauritius maintain a longstanding relationship based on historical, cultural, and economic ties. In his first speech as the newly appointed High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, Anurag Srivastava outlined key areas of cooperation, including trade, investment, education, and sustainability, while reaffirming India’s role as a development partner. The speech also highlighted cultural connections and ongoing bilateral projects. 

On February 5, Anurag Srivastava, the newly appointed High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, highlighted the deep historical, cultural, and economic ties between the two nations during a welcoming reception at the Indian High Commission. The event, attended by dignitaries, including the President and Prime Minister of Mauritius, members of the diplomatic corps, and business leaders, highlighted the strong foundation upon which the India-Mauritius relationship is built.

In his speech, Mr. Srivastava acknowledged the unique connection between the two countries, emphasizing that their relationship extends beyond diplomatic cooperation. “These are bonds, these are ties of blood, of language, of culture, and of values that bind us together,” he stated. He further revealed a personal connection with the Mauritian President, with whom he shares an alma mater, both men having studied at the Faculty of Management Studies at the University of Delhi.

His arrival in Mauritius, he recounted, was marked by an immediate sense of familiarity: “Normally when you leave your country and go on a posting, you feel you are somewhere else, in a foreign land… But I must say, from the moment that I stepped out of the airport, got into the car, and the driver turned on the radio and entertained me with Bollywood numbers all the way to the embassy, I have not felt lonely.”

Reflecting on the cultural heritage shared by both nations, Mr. Srivastava highlighted the resilience of Indo-Mauritian traditions. “The spirit of India is very much alive here, and while I may have stepped outside my country, I am still among family.” He also pointed out how Mauritian customs have preserved and adapted Indian traditions, particularly in music, dance, and festivals.

Beyond cultural ties, the High Commissioner stressed India’s role as a key development partner for Mauritius. “India and Mauritius are bound not just by history, but by a shared vision for growth, prosperity, and for a global goal. Our special and unique partnership encompasses every possible area of cooperation.” He reaffirmed India’s commitment as Mauritius’ first responder in times of crisis, citing India’s swift assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wakashio oil spill, and cyclone Belal.

Looking ahead, Mr. Srivastava detailed upcoming projects that will further enhance bilateral collaboration: “Very soon, the new Civil Service College will be inaugurated. The new Forensic Science Laboratory and a renal transplant unit at the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital are expected to be operational this year. Our project for a new National Library and Archives in Moka is under implementation.”

The High Commissioner also emphasized Mauritius’ significance in India’s global partnerships. “The view in Delhi is that Mauritius is one of the most successful examples of India’s development partnership. This is largely because Mauritian commitment and professionalism have been instrumental in operationalizing high-quality projects with impressive speed,” he explained.

“We intend to fully leverage opportunities that Mauritius provides as an offshore, stable, and very respected market economy to open more doors for trade and investment between our countries”

As part of India’s broader economic engagement with Mauritius, Mr. Srivastava reiterated India’s intent to enhance trade and investment opportunities. “We intend to fully leverage opportunities that Mauritius provides as an offshore, stable, and very respected market economy to open more doors for trade and investment between our countries,” he stated, noting that Mauritius serves as an important bridge between India and Africa, with the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) reinforcing this role.

The High Commissioner also highlighted sustainability as a key area of cooperation, particularly through projects such as the 100 electric buses initiative launched this year. “We would also look to extend this green partnership through robust collaboration via the Global Biofuel Alliance and the International Solar Alliance in finding practical and impactful solutions to address climate change.”

Reaffirming that the essence of India-Mauritius relations lies in its people, Mr. Srivastava expressed his commitment to strengthening engagement with the diaspora through youth and cultural exchange programs and artistic collaborations that “will continue to play a very important role in bringing our communities closer.”

As he embarks on his tenure in Mauritius, Mr. Srivastava called for collective efforts to unlock the full potential of the partnership, assuring the audience that “I will be seeking your ideas, your suggestions, your engagement and your support because these are invaluable to our efforts.”