<h1>India and Mauritius pledge local currency trade, maritime security cooperation, capacity building, and support for Mauritian sovereignty</h1> India and Mauritius agreed to pursue mechanisms to facilitate bilateral trade in local currencies and to deepen cooperation on maritime security and capacity-building in Mauritius' Exclusive Economic Zone, with India committing to strengthen the island state's maritime defenses. India reiterated its support for Mauritius' sovereignty following a recent agreement transferring sovereignty over the Chagos Islands from the United Kingdom, while the UK will retain responsibility for security of Diego Garcia. The talks occurred during a state visit by the Mauritian prime minister and included joint commitments to a free, secure and prosperous Indian Ocean.