Source: News on Air
Context: External Affairs Minister of India announced that India is finalising an oil and gas supply pact with Mauritius to bolster the island nation’s energy security.
About Mauritius:
What it is?
- Mauritius is a sovereign island nation known for its strategic importance in the Indian Ocean and its volcanic landscapes. It is a maritime subtropical country with a diverse indigenous ecosystem and is a key partner in India’s Enhanced Strategic Partnership.
Located in:
- Region: The Indian Ocean, situated approximately 500 miles (800 km) east of Madagascar.
- Continental Association: Located off the eastern coast of Africa.
- Archipelago: Physiographically, it is part of the Mascarene Islands.
- Territories: Includes Rodrigues Island, the Agalega Islands, the Cargados Carajos Shoals, and the Chagos Archipelago (including Diego Garcia), the latter of which saw a final sovereignty transfer agreement signed in May 2025.
Capital: The capital city is Port Louis.
How it was Formed?
- The island is volcanic in origin. Its geological structure suggests it was shaped by ancient volcanic activity, which created a central plateau surrounded by mountain rims that likely formed the edges of a massive ancient volcano.
Key Geographical Features:
- Coral Reefs: The island is almost entirely encircled by protective coral reefs.
- Relief: The northern part consists of a plain that rises into a central plateau with elevations ranging from 900 to 2,400 feet (270 to 730 meters).
- Highest Point: Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, located in the southwest, reaching 2,717 feet (828 meters).
- Rivers and Power: The two major rivers are the Grand River South East and the Black River, which serve as primary sources for hydroelectric power.
- Water Resources: Lake Vacoas, a major reservoir on the central plateau, is the country’s chief source of water.
- Arable Land: More than half of the land is arable, predominantly used for sugarcane cultivation, which is the nation’s major export crop.
