India-Mauritius Joint Issue

Celebrating 75 Years of India–Mauritius Diplomatic Relations

A Shared History of Friendship

India and Mauritius share a special relationship that stretches back centuries. While formal diplomatic ties were established in 1948, the connection began much earlier, when Indian artisans and masons arrived in Mauritius during French colonial rule in the 18th century. Later, under British rule, nearly half a million Indians were brought as indentured workers, of which two-thirds made Mauritius their home.

The arrival of the first batch of indentured workers on 2 November 1834 is now observed every year as Aapravasi Diwas, a day of remembrance and pride.

Gandhiji’s Influence and the Path to Independence

In 1901, Mahatma Gandhi visited Mauritius and urged Indian workers to embrace education and political empowerment. His message became a guiding light during Mauritius’ independence struggle. When Mauritius attained independence in 1968, the date chosen for Independence Day—12 March—was deeply symbolic, as it marked the anniversary of Gandhi’s Dandi March.

India–Mauritius Cooperation Since Independence

Over the past 75 years, India and Mauritius have collaborated across multiple sectors:

• Nation-building and development – from the Metro Express to the Social Housing Project, Cyber Tower, Supreme Court building, hospitals, and conference centres.
• Capacity building – Mauritius benefits greatly from the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, with over 365 Mauritians trained in India annually.
• Trade and economy – Mauritius has been a leading source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India, while India remains one of Mauritius’ top trading partners. The signing of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) in 2021 has further deepened economic exchanges.

Cultural and People-to-People Ties

Indian culture is woven deeply into Mauritian society—through music, dance, cuisine, language, and festivals. Institutions like the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, the Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture, and the World Hindi Secretariat strengthen cultural bonds. Thousands of Mauritian students study in India, while both countries remain top tourist destinations for each other’s citizens.

The Mauritius Kestrel – Symbol of Conservation

The Mauritius Kestrel (Falco punctatus), declared the National Bird of Mauritius in 2022, symbolizes resilience. Once on the brink of extinction, this endangered species has been successfully revived through the Mauritius Kestrel Recovery Programme, which began in 1973. Today, it is celebrated as one of the world’s greatest success stories in bird conservation.

The Indian Peacock – Vibrance of Indian Heritage

The Indian Peacock (Pavo cristatus), declared India’s National Bird in 1963, represents beauty, grace, and cultural richness. With its shimmering blue-green plumage and majestic tail feathers, the peacock holds sacred significance in Indian mythology and embodies the vibrant spirit of India.

The Joint Stamp – A Testament of Enduring Friendship

On the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations, the Department of Posts of India and Mauritius Post have released a Joint Commemorative Stamp featuring the Mauritius Kestrel and the Indian Peacock.

This stamp is not just a philatelic treasure but also a symbol of natural heritage, cultural pride, and the strong bond between the two nations. It reflects the shared journey of India and Mauritius—from history and heritage to development and modern partnership.