India’s Modi pushes ‘Look Beyond the Sea’ vision for Global South in Mauritius visit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has outlined a bold new vision for the Global South, urging nations to focus on maritime cooperation and economic growth across regions. Speaking in Port Louis, Mauritius, on Wednesday, after talks with his Mauritian counterpart Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Modi emphasized the need for a holistic and security-driven approach to regional development.

For the Global South, our vision will be ‘Look beyond the sea, look towards the ocean.’ That means mutual and holistic advancement, for security and growth across regions. Trade and development, capacity building for sustainable growth, and the feeling of mutual security for a shared future are imbibed within this, Modi told journalists.

Key Agreements Strengthen India-Mauritius Ties

The visit saw both leaders witnessing the signing of multiple agreements covering crucial areas such as:

• Maritime security and monitoring of ocean traffic
• Trade in national currencies, reducing dependency on foreign exchange
• Capacity building programs for economic and skill development
• Cooperation in crime investigations, infrastructure, diplomacy, and finance

Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam hailed the agreements as a step toward deeper strategic ties, calling them “a further enhancement of our already excellent bilateral relations.”

“The signature of key agreements covering such diverse sectors as crime investigations, maritime traffic monitoring, infrastructure, diplomacy, commerce, finance, and the ocean economy, as well as the handing over of navigation charts, strengthens our long-standing partnership with India,” Ramgoolam said.

‘Enhanced Strategic Partnership’ and National Day Celebration

Modi also announced that India-Mauritius relations will now be elevated to the level of an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, underscoring India’s commitment to the island nation.

His visit coincided with Mauritius’ National Day celebrations, where he joined local leaders and dignitaries in marking the occasion. India has played a key role in Mauritius’ development over the years, providing support in infrastructure projects, defense cooperation, and economic reforms.

As India strengthens its leadership role in the Indian Ocean region, Modi’s “Look Beyond the Sea” vision signals a new era of regional cooperation one that prioritizes security, sustainable growth, and economic resilience across the Global South.