Energy security: India finalising oil and gas supply agreement with Mauritius, says Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India is finalising a government-to-government agreement to supply oil and gas to Mauritius, reinforcing energy security amid the West Asia conflict and shipping risks near the Strait of Hormuz. He also noted an Indian public sector enterprise is developing Mauritius’s first floating solar power project, strengthening clean energy cooperation.

India is close to sealing a deal to supply oil and gas to Mauritius. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the move aims to support Mauritius energy security. Jaishankar linked the effort to instability tied to the West Asia conflict. Jaishankar spoke during a visit for the 9th Indian Ocean Conference.

Jaishankar said the crisis in West Asia has raised concerns for supply chains. Jaishankar referred to disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz. The sea route carries about a fifth of global oil trade. Shipping slowed and oil prices rose during the disruption, affecting import-dependent economies.

India Mauritius energy security oil and gas agreement

"We are finalising a government-to-government agreement for the supply of oil and gas, which will play an important role in reinforcing energy security for Mauritius,\" Jaishankar said. Jaishankar added that Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam highlighted the value of strategic partners. Jaishankar said energy cooperation is now a stronger priority.

Jaishankar said India and Mauritius are also working on cleaner energy options. Jaishankar noted an Indian public sector enterprise is building Mauritius first floating solar power project. Jaishankar described the wider partnership as focused on environment-friendly solutions. Jaishankar said cooperation is expanding across energy and climate-related work.

India Mauritius clean energy solar power International Solar Alliance

\"Building on our cooperation in renewable energy, including the 8 MW solar power plant at Henrietta, we also work closely with the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuels Alliance,\" Jaishankar said. Jaishankar linked these efforts to shared plans on solar and biofuels. Jaishankar presented them as part of long-term energy planning.

Jaishankar said India plans to complete delivery of electric buses to Mauritius. Jaishankar said the final lot of e-buses is expected to support greener public transport. Jaishankar added that the project is intended to cut carbon emissions. The remarks placed mobility alongside energy supply as a core theme.

India Mauritius Enhanced Strategic Partnership Narendra Modi visit

\"In the span of just over a year, the partnership between our nations has witnessed remarkable and substantive progress,\" Jaishankar said. Jaishankar recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit in March last year. Jaishankar said both sides agreed to raise ties to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership. \"This elevation equally reflects the expanding scope and deepening substance of our cooperation across a wide range of shared priorities,\" Jaishankar said.

Jaishankar also referred to Ramgoolam travel to India in September last year. Jaishankar said it was Ramgoolam first bilateral overseas visit. Jaishankar said the visit produced a Special Economic Package. Jaishankar said it was aligned to Mauritius development priorities and aspirations.

Jaishankar said Ramgoolam returned to India in February this year. The visit was for the AI Impact Summit. Jaishankar said the visit helped discussions in the area of AI. Jaishankar also said it helped move bilateral ties forward.

Jaishankar said the meeting with the prime minister covered many areas. Jaishankar listed maritime cooperation, development partnership, health, and education. Jaishankar also mentioned capacity building and people-to-people ties. Jaishankar said the talks reviewed progress and future work across these sectors.

Jaishankar is set to travel next to the United Arab Emirates. The visit is scheduled from April 11 to 12, after the Mauritius trip. Separately, the US and Iran agreed to a two-week conditional ceasefire on Wednesday. The two countries are preparing for talks in Pakistan on making it permanent.

With inputs from PTI