Indian diaspora in Mauritius: a source of strength for the island

The Indian diaspora in Mauritius looms large in the political, economic, and cultural mould of the island. Its sheer size is key to this prominence. Mauritians of Indian descent comprise around 68 per cent of the country’s estimated 1.3 million total population.

This huge slice of Indo-Mauritian ethnicity traces back to the indentured workers from India. The British Crown shipped some half a million of them to Mauritius from 1834 to 1920 as sugarcane field workers.  They comprised the largest number of indentured migrants sent to the Crown’s colonies across the globe.

Britain actually started its indentured labour system in Mauritius. Its indentured workers sent to the island were mainly from the Bihar and Uttar Pradesh provinces, plus others  from the southern provinces of colonial India.

Indo-Mauritian cultural signposts

Significantly, males and females comprised the indentured workers sent to Mauritius. Many of them also brought along their families.  This further set the stage for the Indo-Mauritians’ dominance amongst the ethnicities in the island. The 2^nd of November is notably celebrated as an annual Mauritius national holiday marking the arrival of Indian indentured workers.

The historic Indian diaspora in Mauritius further manifests in local festivals that originated from India. These popular celebrations include the Divali, the Hindu festival of lights traditionally held between October and November. The colourful Holi harvest festival in India is also celebrated each February in Mauritius.

The well established Indian diaspora in Mauritius has likewise created a springboard for robust economic relations between the island-nation and India. Since 2007, India has been ranked as Mauritius’ top trading partner.

Mauritius-India investment ties

Significantly, most foreigners investing in India are using the Mauritian financial centre as their investment channel. Investors in India are likewise tapping the financial centre of Mauritius as a conduit for their investments in Africa.

It is also notable that many large Indian companies have set up shop in Mauritius. These firms include the global tech venture Infosys Ltd. with a subsidiary in Quatre Bornes. An academic institution JSS Mahavidyapeetha of Mysuru, India, has also established the JSS Academy in Mauritius.

Moving forward, there are more to see on growth opportunities arising from the Indian diaspora in Mauritius. In early 2020, Mauritius and India announced they’re finalising a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement. This pact seeks mutual benefits for the two countries in the area of trade in goods and services. Besides eliminating trade barriers, the agreement also focuses on sanitary measures and dispute settlement.

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