Indian Ocean Connect: India-Mauritius to sign MoU on Delhi-funded infra projects

New Delhi: India and Mauritius will sign a MoU this week enabling New Delhi to extend financial assistance for for the implementation of projects under a Special Economic Package worth $655 million.

Under the MoU, $215 million will be provided as a grant to support four key projects. These comprises the construction of a new Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital, aimed at improving healthcare capacity on the island, the establishment of an Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence under the AYUSH initiative, a new Veterinary School and Animal Hospital; and the provision of helicopters, which are expected to bolster emergency medical services, disaster response and maritime surveillance.

Besides this, a further $440 million in blended finance, comprising a $8 million grant and a $432 million Line of Credit, has been earmarked for major infrastructure developments in Mauritius, India’s closest strategic partner in South Western Indian Ocean Region.


The amount has been earmarked for a new Air Traffic Control Tower at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport to enhance aviation safety and capacity, the Motorway M4 project, Ring Road Phase II; and the procurement of port equipment by the Cargo Handling Corporation Ltd to boost trade efficiency.

The MoU will be signed when External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visits Mauritius this week for the Indian Ocean Conference.

The 9th edition of the Indian Ocean Conference will see participation of Bangladesh FM Khalilur Rahman, Sri Lanka FM Vijitha Herath, Bhutan FM DN Dhungyel, Oman FM Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Seychelles FM Barry Faure among other top officials. Previous editions of the conference organized by the India Foundation have taken place in Australia, Bangladesh, Oman, UAE previously.

India has been the closest development and security partner for Mauritius for decades enjoying the confidence of every political party in the Indian Ocean Region country.