Indian Navy's elite MARCOS commences training of Mauritius police in special forces & diving Skills

The Indian Navy's Mobile Training Team (MTT) started the 14th edition of the 'Special Forces and Diving Refresher Camp' for the Mauritius Police Force at Port Louis, Mauritius, on November 9, 2023.  

From the Indian side, Marine Commandos (MARCOS) and divers are participating to train the Mauritian forces both via theoretical and practical sessions on a wide range of subjects, including combat diving, underwater reconnaissance, counter-terrorism operations, and hostage rescue. 

The camp is conducted annually to enhance the operational capabilities of the Mauritius Police Force in special forces and diving operations. As per an Indian Navy official statement, the camp is held annually, and the training is aimed at improving capability to conduct maritime special operations and salvage operations at sea, not only to augment the operational capabilities of the Mauritius Police Force but also to increase 'interoperability' between the Armed Forces of India and the 'island nation'.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the leadership of the two countries enjoys a high level of trust and mutual understanding, which is reflected in the continued high-level political engagement.

India has close, longstanding relations with Mauritius, an island nation in the Western Indian Ocean, owing to historical, demographic and cultural reasons.

Mauritius was one of the handful of countries with which independent India established diplomatic relations in 1948, even before the independence of Mauritius.

These special ties have also resulted in uniquely close cooperation in maritime security, development partnership, capacity-building, and cooperation.

(With ANI inputs)