Mauritius Lays Thrust on Expanding Trade in Manufacturing, AI and Services, Says H.E.Bappoo
Mumbai, 9 th March 2026: The All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and the World Trade Center Mumbai hosted H.E. Mrs. Sheilabai Bappoo, G.O.S.K., High Commissioner of Mauritius to India, to explore opportunities for strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations between India and Mauritius.
In the picture (L to R): H.E. Mrs. Sheilabai Bappoo, G.O.S.K., High Commissioner of Mauritius to India; Dr. Vijay Kalantri, President, All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai.
Mrs. Bappoo added, “The country provides an effective gateway for Indian companies looking to expand their footprint in Africa, while also welcoming greater participation of Mauritian enterprises in India’s rapidly growing economy. Mauritius network of trade and investment agreements enables businesses to benefit from preferential market access and smoother entry into several global markets. We are particularly keen to strengthen cooperation in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, logistics, and shipping, where there is high potential for bilateral collaboration and investment.”
Mr. Dooshant Kumar Bucktowar, Consul General of Mauritius in Mumbai, assured full support and assistance to the trade and industry community in exploring business and investment opportunities between Mauritius and India.
Dr. Vijay Kalantri, President, All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai, said, “India and Mauritius share a long-standing and trusted economic partnership. Bilateral trade between the two countries is currently around USD 800 million, reflecting the strong commercial ties and growing engagement between our businesses. With stronger business linkages and new opportunities emerging across sectors, there is significant potential for bilateral trade to double over
the next five years.”
Dr. Kalantri highlighted, “Although Mauritius has a relatively small population of about one million people, its strategic location and strong network of international agreements enable businesses operating from Mauritius to access a significant share of global markets, particularly in Africa and beyond.”
“Mauritius is increasingly positioning itself as a future-ready, innovation-driven economy, focusing on key pillars such as Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, Renewable Energy, pharmaceuticals, and tourism. These sectors offer significant opportunities for strengthening collaboration between Indian and Mauritian enterprises. Mauritius shares deep cultural and historical ties with India, and whenever we are in Mauritius, we feel at home.” added Dr. Kalantri.
Ms. Sangeeta Jain, Senior Director, All India Association of Industries and Ms. Priya Pansare, Director, Trade and Investment Promotion, participated in the interaction aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties between India and Mauritius.
The interaction reaffirmed the shared commitment of both sides to further strengthen India–Mauritius economic cooperation and promote greater engagement between businesses, investors, and institutions from the two countries.
Regards,
Sangeeta Jain
Senior Director
All India Association of Industries (AIAI)