India Secures Energy Deal with Mauritius, Strengthens Regional Presence

The Indian government has announced that a long-term supply agreement between Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and the State Trading Corporation of Mauritius will provide energy security to the island nation. The five-year pact, signed during Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri's visit to Mauritius this week, ensures a stable supply of refined petroleum products to the country.

Under the agreement, IOCL will supply all of Mauritius' import requirements for Motor Spirit (MS), High Speed Diesel (HSD), and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). This commitment is part of India's strategy to strengthen its presence in the Indian Ocean region. The government claims that this agreement positions India as the country's anchor fuel supplier.

The deal also includes cooperation on biofuels through knowledge sharing, research, and training programs. Mauritius is a founding member of the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), an initiative launched by India during its G20 Presidency. The partnership will help develop a Biofuels Country Landscape Policy framework for the country.