Image Source: Economic Times
In a landmark step to deepen bilateral ties and reinforce sustainable development goals, India on August 6, 2025, officially handed over the first batch of 10 state-of-the-art electric buses to Mauritius under its grant assistance programme. The ceremony took place at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation in Reduit, Mauritius, symbolizing the robust and enduring India-Mauritius friendship as well as a shared commitment to green mobility and climate action.
Key Highlights: Green Mobility Milestone and Strategic Partnership
The handover was led by Indian High Commissioner Anurag Srivastava, who formally delivered the electric buses to Mauritian Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam in the presence of senior ministers, junior ministers, and prominent dignitaries from Mauritius.
This initiative is a key pillar of the Enhanced Strategic Partnership reaffirmed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Mauritius in March 2025, strengthening cooperation on climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure.
Prime Minister Ramgoolam described the e-bus project as a “paradigm shift in public transport” and a “symbol of the special relationship that has stood the test of time,” highlighting its role in reducing vehicle emissions, cutting fuel imports, and generating employment in Mauritius’s emerging e-mobility sector.
The event emphasized India’s support beyond just transport, including other ongoing sustainability projects like an 8 MW solar photovoltaic farm at Henrietta, deployment of 100 solar-powered street lights, and a community solar farm in Rodrigues island.
Technical and Operational Aspects of the E-Bus Deployment
The 10 electric buses provided are manufactured in India and will be operated by Mauritius's National Transport Corporation (NTC) as part of its public bus fleet modernization efforts.
These buses are expected to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions while offering clean, quieter, and more efficient urban transportation solutions.
The project aligns with Mauritius’s national objectives to transition towards cleaner energy and reduce dependency on fossil fuels, contributing to the country’s climate action commitments.
India's grant assistance covers not only the e-bus supply but also encompasses capacity building, technical training, and support for establishing electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Broader India-Mauritius Development Collaboration
Beyond the e-buses, India’s partnership with Mauritius includes several high-impact infrastructure projects: Metro Express Light Rail, the New Supreme Court building, a modern ENT Hospital, social housing units, and distribution of educational tablets — all bolstering Mauritius’s socio-economic development.
The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute, where the handover took place, is a joint India-Mauritius initiative to promote public service excellence and innovation, demonstrating multifaceted capacity-building cooperation.
These collaborations underscore India's commitment to people-centric development, technology transfer, and sustainable growth models in Mauritius.
Indian High Commissioner Srivastava reaffirmed that these buses are “moving symbols” of the shared vision for a cleaner planet and enduring friendship.
Political and Economic Significance
The donation coincides with Mauritius’s strategic priorities to modernize urban transportation and meet growing environmental standards in line with global climate accords.
The electric buses are expected to improve air quality and public health in Mauritius’s urban centers, while fostering green jobs in the electric mobility supply chain.
This initiative contributes to regional sustainability goals in the Indian Ocean region, showcasing India’s leadership role as a development partner in Africa and island nations.
PM Ramgoolam expressed deep appreciation for India’s consistent support, noting how Indian development assistance has "touched all sections of Mauritian society" and continues shaping the nation’s future.
Future Outlook and Ongoing Projects
The current batch of 10 e-buses is the first phase under a larger plan to deploy 100 electric buses in Mauritius, along with the rollout of charging infrastructure and supporting policies to promote e-mobility.
Continued collaboration is anticipated in areas including renewable energy, artificial intelligence, blue economy initiatives, food and maritime security, and infrastructure development.
Both governments remain committed to expanding the India-Mauritius Green Partnership to meet evolving environmental and socio-economic challenges.
Capacity-building programs and technology exchanges will accompany material support to ensure the sustainable integration of electric mobility solutions within Mauritius’s transport ecosystem.
Conclusion
India’s delivery of the first 10 electric buses to Mauritius marks a significant stride in bilateral cooperation, blending diplomacy, sustainability, and innovation. It reinforces the shared commitment of the two nations to greener, cleaner public transportation and sustainable development. Beyond a transportation upgrade, the initiative reflects a broader vision of climate-resilient growth, economic partnership, and people-first progress. As India continues to support Mauritius’s transition to clean energy and modern infrastructure, this milestone sets a strong foundation for future collaborations that benefit both countries and the wider region.
Sources: ANI News, The Tribune India
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