Veteran intelligence officer Vivek Johri to take over as NSA of Mauritius

New Delhi: Vivek Johri, an intelligence officer with vast experience in India's neighbourhood, including Nepal, is set to take charge as the new national security advisor (NSA) to Mauritius, as part of a decades-old arrangement between the two countries. Johri will succeed Ilango, a former senior Indian intelligence officer.

He maintains a low profile and may be the right choice for the island nation amid China's growing interests in the southern and western Indian Ocean Region, said people with knowledge of the matter.

Indian officers who have served in Mauritius as NSAs have made significant contributions in keeping the region stable and peaceful, they said, adding that India has traditionally been the "first responder" in times of crisis, including during Covid-19 and in the wake of the Wakashio oil spill.


Since 2005, India has been among the largest trading partners of Mauritius. In 2022-23, bilateral trade amounted to $554.19 million, with India's exports worth $462.69 million and imports from Mauritius amounting to $91.50 million.

Between 2000 and 2022, India received foreign direct investment of $161 from Mauritius, 26% of the total FDI inflow into the country during the period, thanks largely to the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention. India and Mauritius signed the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement on February 22, 2021.

India and Mauritius are connected by shared history. Almost 68% of Mauritius, including Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, is of Indian origin. Over the years, with India's support, Mauritius has been able to augment the skills of its security forces, and restructure and enhance the capacity of its National Coast Guard.