India fuels Mauritius with a long-term petrol pact

India and Mauritius have inked a long-term agreement for the supply of petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel, bolstering Mauritius' energy security amidst disruptions in the West Asia conflict. The MoU was signed by Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Puri during his visit to Mauritius. Additionally, a sales and purchase agreement was signed with Indian Oil Corporation.

The deal covers refined petroleum products and marks Mauritius as the first non-South Asian country to establish such an arrangement with an Indian public-sector oil company. Mauritius was identified by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in April as a country whose energy security could be reinforced through a government-to-government agreement with India.

The arrangement is a result of ongoing discussions and reflects the importance of strategic partnerships, particularly in the energy sector, in the wake of the West Asia crisis and its impact on energy supplies and crude prices. This move complements India's growing engagement with Mauritius in the oil and gas sector, including India's involvement in Mauritius' renewable-energy initiatives, such as the first floating solar power project and cooperation on renewable energy projects like the 8 MW solar power plant at Henrietta and the Global Biofuels Alliance.

The energy agreement comes as part of a broader expansion in bilateral ties between India and Mauritius, which was elevated to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Mauritius in March. This partnership now encompasses various areas such as maritime cooperation, development assistance, healthcare, education, capacity building, and support for sustainable public transport, including e-buses.