Indian Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has begun a four-day visit to Mauritius focused on strengthening maritime cooperation and defence ties…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Indian Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan began a four-day visit to Mauritius on Monday as India seeks to further strengthen maritime cooperation and defence ties with the Indian Ocean island nation.
The visit, which will continue until August 13, comes as India and Mauritius seek to deepen their longstanding strategic partnership, with maritime security and regional cooperation remaining key areas of engagement.
During his visit, Admiral Swaminathan is scheduled to interact with senior Mauritian government leadership and hold discussions on matters of mutual interest, including maritime security, defence cooperation, capacity building and military collaboration.
The engagements are aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the maritime domain, enhancing operational-level linkages and consolidating their strategic partnership, according to the Ministry of Defence.
“India and Mauritius share a close and enduring maritime partnership,” the ministry said in a statement.
The Indian Navy regularly engages with Mauritius’ National Coast Guard through training exchanges, operational interactions, including Joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Surveillance, port visits and hydrographic surveys.
The two countries also cooperate through multilateral forums and a range of regional maritime initiatives. Mauritius has been a regular participant in several Indian Navy-led engagements, including the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, MILAN, International Fleet Review, Goa Maritime Conclave, IOS SAGAR and Exercise AIKEYME.
These engagements reflect the shared vision of MAHASAGAR, or Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, which seeks to promote greater cooperation and security across the Indian Ocean region.
The Ministry of Defence said Admiral Swaminathan’s visit, his first to Mauritius after assuming charge as Chief of the Naval Staff, underlines the importance India attaches to its relationship with Mauritius.
“The visit of Admiral Krishna Swaminathan to Mauritius after assuming charge as the Chief of the Naval Staff underscores the priority India accords to the friendship it shares with Mauritius, anchored in mutual respect, trust and a shared commitment to maritime security, regional cooperation and stability in the Indian Ocean Region,” it said.
India and Mauritius have maintained close defence and maritime relations, with regular exchanges between their security and maritime institutions. Joint surveillance, training programmes and operational interactions have provided avenues for the two sides to enhance coordination and maritime capabilities.
Mauritius’ participation in Indian-led regional initiatives has also contributed to closer engagement between the two countries within wider Indian Ocean security frameworks.
The visit comes against the backdrop of India’s broader efforts to strengthen partnerships with countries in the Indian Ocean region under its maritime cooperation initiatives.
Earlier, Mauritian Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful described India’s SAGAR, or Security and Growth for All in the Region, and MAHASAGAR initiatives as “landmark initiatives” in an interview with IANS.
Ramful also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s role in strengthening bilateral relations and noted his visits to Mauritius in 2015 and 2025.
“Mauritius has remained at the centre of India’s diplomatic policy during Prime Minister Modi’s tenure. He has visited Mauritius on two occasions – in 2015 and again in 2025. On both occasions, he had launched two landmark initiatives: SAGAR and MAHASAGAR Vision,” Ramful said.
Admiral Swaminathan’s four-day visit is expected to provide further momentum to the maritime and defence partnership between India and Mauritius, while reinforcing cooperation on security and stability in the Indian Ocean region.
