Port Louis, August 10: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has begun a four-day official visit to Mauritius, from August 10 to 13, aimed at further strengthening India’s maritime partnership and defence ties with the island nation.
Mauritius is a key Indian Ocean partner for India, and the visit comes as New Delhi continues to expand cooperation with friendly maritime nations across the region.
Focus on Maritime Security and Defence Cooperation
During his visit, Admiral Swaminathan is scheduled to meet senior leaders of the Mauritian government and hold discussions on issues of mutual interest.
The talks are expected to focus on:
- Maritime security
- Defence cooperation
- Capacity building
- Military-to-military cooperation
- Operational coordination
- Regional security and stability
The engagements are aimed at strengthening cooperation at the operational level and further consolidating the strategic partnership between the two countries.
India-Mauritius Maritime Partnership
India and Mauritius share a longstanding maritime relationship, with the Indian Navy and Mauritius National Coast Guard regularly engaging through training programmes, operational interactions and professional exchanges.
The two sides also undertake Joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Surveillance, helping strengthen maritime domain awareness and safeguard maritime interests in the region.
Indian naval ships regularly visit Mauritius as part of port engagement and maritime cooperation, while the two countries also collaborate in areas such as hydrographic surveys.
Mauritius a Regular Partner in Indian Navy Initiatives
Mauritius has also been an active participant in several major Indian Navy-led and Indian Ocean regional initiatives, including:
- Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)
- MILAN
- International Fleet Review
- Goa Maritime Conclave
- IOS SAGAR
- Exercise AIKEYME
These engagements reflect the shared vision of MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
Strengthening Security in the Indian Ocean
The visit assumes significance amid India’s increasing focus on maritime security and cooperation across the Indian Ocean Region.
Mauritius occupies an important position in the western Indian Ocean, making close maritime coordination between the two countries important for maintaining a secure, stable and rules-based maritime environment.
Admiral Swaminathan’s visit is also his first official engagement with Mauritius after assuming office as Chief of the Naval Staff, underlining the importance India attaches to its relationship with the country.
The visit is expected to further strengthen the foundation of mutual trust, maritime security cooperation and regional stability between India and Mauritius.