Navy chief begins four-day Mauritius visit to boost maritime ties

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan began a four-day official visit to Mauritius on Monday. This is his first visit to the island nation after assuming charge as Navy chief. India seeks to deepen bilateral maritime cooperation and strengthen defence ties with a key partner in the Indian Ocean Region.

During his visit from August 10 to 13, Admiral Swaminathan will interact with senior Mauritian Government leadership and hold discussions on maritime security, defence cooperation, capacity building and military collaboration.

The visit is aimed at strengthening operational-level linkages between the two countries and consolidating their strategic maritime partnership, the Navy said.

India and Mauritius share a longstanding maritime partnership, with the Indian Navy regularly engaging with the Mauritius National Coast Guard through training exchanges, operational interactions, including joint Exclusive Economic Zone surveillance, port visits and hydrographic surveys.

Mauritius has also been a regular participant in major Indian Navy-led multilateral and regional initiatives, including the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), MILAN, the International Fleet Review, the Goa Maritime Conclave, IOS SAGAR and Exercise AIKEYME.

The engagements reflect the shared vision of MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions – and India’s emphasis on strengthening maritime security and cooperation across the Indian Ocean.

Admiral Swaminathan’s visit comes as India continues to expand its engagement with maritime partners in the region through capacity building, information sharing, training and coordinated surveillance.

The Navy said the visit underscores the priority accorded by India to its close and enduring friendship with Mauritius, anchored in mutual respect, trust and a shared commitment to maritime security, regional cooperation and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.