New Delhi: The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, began a four-day official visit to Mauritius on August 10, as part of India’s continued push to strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation and deepen defence ties with the island nation, the Indian Navy said.
During the visit, which runs until August 13, Swaminathan is expected to interact with senior leadership of the Mauritian government and hold discussions on matters including maritime security, defence cooperation, capacity building and military collaboration, according to the navy.
The engagements are aimed at strengthening operational-level linkages between the two countries and consolidating what the navy described as a “robust strategic partnership” in the maritime domain.
A longstanding maritime partnership
India and Mauritius share what the navy called a close and enduring maritime relationship. The Indian Navy engages regularly with the Mauritius National Coast Guard through training exchanges, operational interactions including joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance, port visits and hydrographic surveys.
Mauritius has also been a regular participant in key Indian Navy initiatives, including the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, Milan, the International Fleet Review, the Goa Maritime Conclave, IOS SAGAR and Exercise AIKEYME. The navy said this cooperation reflects the shared vision of MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions — the maritime framework both countries have embraced.
This is Swaminathan’s first visit to Mauritius since assuming charge as chief of the naval staff. The navy said the trip underscores the priority India accords to its relationship with Mauritius, describing the partnership as anchored in mutual respect, trust and a shared commitment to maritime security, regional cooperation and stability in the Indian Ocean region.