AGP Executive Report

Mauritius Rights Watch: LGBTQ+ campaigners in Mauritius are renewing calls for marriage equality after the National Human Rights Commission said there is no explicit legal ban on same-sex marriage, raising concerns that the Civil Status Office’s refusal could amount to discrimination. Mauritius-India Diplomacy & Trade: Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority is running a four-city push in India (Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad) to deepen trade and tourism links, citing a 14.5% rise in Indian visitors to 51,005 in Jan–Jul 2026. Tax & Legal Cross-Currents: India’s tax authorities have invoked JAAR to deny treaty benefits to some Mauritius funds on sale of “grandfathered shares,” reopening debate over how Mauritius tax treaty protections are applied. Regional Mobility: Thailand’s new visa-free rules cut stays and downgraded Mauritius to a 15-day visa-free arrangement, while also reducing access for several other countries. Aviation & Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines will launch direct Durban–Addis Ababa flights from 11 December, a move Durban officials say could boost investment, tourism and freight links. Finance & Markets: BSE says it wants stronger ties with Africa via Afrinex, a Mauritius-based exchange meant to give African countries a route into Indian and global markets. Sports: Mauritius is set to compete in the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations/COCAF qualifier in Mozambique starting 18 September.

Tax Treaty Tensions: India’s tax office has invoked JAAR to deny treaty benefits to some Mauritius funds over “grandfathered shares,” reopening debate after earlier assurances that such gains were spared from GAAR. Regional Diplomacy: A South Africa–Nigeria xenophobia row is set for a delayed six-country fact-finding mission in early 2027, with an Eswatini MP chairing the group. Democracy Watch: The 2025 EIU Democracy Index shows global stabilization after years of declines, with Mauritius listed among “full democracies.” Finance & Markets: Mauritius-backed Afrinex is being positioned by the Bombay Stock Exchange as a gateway for African countries into Indian and global markets. Digital Payments Policy: India says there will be no rollback of a 0.4% UPI merchant fee above Rs 2,000 from Oct 15, even as legal challenges loom. Tourism Links: Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority expands India outreach via a four-city push (Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad), while Emirates renews tourism board deals including Mauritius at ATM 2026. Corporate Identity: AXIAN Telecom renames itself Yas Group as it scales mobile and mobile financial services across Africa. Global Recognition: Princess Ocansey, linked to Mauritius, is named among the Powerlist’s Top 100 Iconic Female World Leaders ahead of UNGA81.

Regional Diplomacy: A six-country Commonwealth Parliamentary Association task team on alleged violence targeting Nigerian nationals in South Africa will do a fact-finding mission in early 2027, but its start was delayed due to South Africa’s local government elections and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town. Digital Payments Politics: India says there will be no rollback of the 0.4% UPI merchant fee (MDR) on person-to-business payments above Rs 2,000 from Oct 15, as a Supreme Court challenge looms and opposition leaders attack the move. Tax Policy Debate: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged independent, quantified tax research beyond sectoral lobbying, stressing reforms aim to cut litigation at the source and improve compliance. Mauritius Link in Finance: SEBI re-appointed Kamlesh Chandra Varshney until 2029; he previously issued an interim order involving Copthall Mauritius Investment in a closing-auction manipulation case. Local Governance & Safety: Andhra Pradesh’s TTD will insure every devotee with LIC and provide Rs 2 lakh on death during temple visits, alongside broader Tirupati/Tirumala development plans. Connectivity: flydubai signed interline deals with Air India and Uzbekistan Airways, expanding single-ticket connections via Dubai, including routes reaching Mauritius.

UPI Merchant Fees Debate (India): The Reserve Bank of India backed a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate on UPI payments to merchants above Rs 2,000 from October 15, while keeping person-to-person transfers and payments up to Rs 2,000 free for users; the MDR is framed as a merchant-side ecosystem charge, with a cap for very large transactions. Mauritius-Linked Trade/Finance: A Mauritius-based angle appears in the wider regional business flow, including mention of Mauritius as an alternative bunker hub when South Africa’s Algoa Bay is constrained by offshore bunkering rules. Solar–Omnia Deal (Regional Markets): Solar SA Investments (via Solar Overseas Mauritius) has made a firm all-cash R21.8bn offer to acquire Omnia, with plans to delist Omnia from South Africa’s exchanges. Emirates Connectivity (Mauritius Travel Relevance): Emirates says it is continuing Starlink rollout (now 53 aircraft connected) and expanding A350 and Premium Economy capacity, supporting stronger winter demand. Diplomacy & Overflight Pressure (Taiwan–Africa): Taiwan’s vice president said her Italy trip was kept secret to avoid China interference, and referenced overflight permit reversals involving Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar. Sports (Commonwealth Cue Sports): India announced its squad for the Commonwealth Cue Sports Championships in Ahmedabad (Oct 7–10), with Mauritius 2025 medalists highlighted.

UPI Fee Debate (India): India’s RBI backed a new 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate on UPI payments to merchants above Rs 2,000, effective Oct 15, while keeping person-to-person UPI free and protecting small payments up to Rs 2,000; NPCI says MDR is capped at Rs 300 for transactions of Rs 75,000+. Political Pushback (India): Opposition leaders, including Rahul and Ashneer Grover, warned the move could push costs onto shopkeepers and revive cash use, even as government insists customers won’t be directly charged. NSE IPO (India): India’s National Stock Exchange set an IPO price band of Rs 1,700–1,785, opening Sept 17 and running to Sept 21, with anchor bids on Sept 16. Mauritius–India Link (Finance/Policy): A Mauritius-focused legal analysis highlights how the India–Mauritius tax treaty changes (including Principal Purpose Test) are forcing offshore investors to rethink structures. Tourism & Connectivity (Mauritius): Emirates renewed tourism partnerships including with Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority at ATM 2026, citing rising arrivals from Middle East markets and continued route capacity. Diplomacy (Canada–Haiti): Canada’s new ambassador to Haiti presented credentials to Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, reaffirming cooperation priorities.

Mauritius-India Digital Finance: India has ordered banks and payment providers to keep UPI transactions up to Rs 2,000 and RuPay debit card payments free of charges, after a gazette move linked to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act—while charges for higher amounts remain unclear. Mauritius-Asia Travel Links: Emirates kicked off Arabian Travel Market 2026 with seven tourism deals covering Seychelles and Mauritius among others, plus renewals with Huawei and Dubai Duty Free—with Emirates citing rising Middle East arrivals to Mauritius and multiple daily flights. Mauritius Tax Treaty Watch: A legal analysis flags that Mauritius’ Cabinet approval to ratify the 2024 India-Mauritius DTAA Protocol shifts offshore investors toward proactive structure checks as the Principal Purpose Test is set to become operational after notifications. Regional Economy & Agriculture: A COMESA sugar-sector report says growers’ returns are relatively stronger in Mauritius and Eswatini, with Mauritius allocating a larger share of proceeds to growers. Immigration Policy Spillover: Thailand’s visa-exemption rules tighten from Sept 15, cutting stays for many nationalities—relevant for Mauritian travellers planning short trips. International Space Diplomacy: Djibouti signed the Artemis Accords, joining an expanding coalition shaping civil space governance.

Mauritius-India Business Link: Mauritius is being pitched as a strategic gateway for African investment, with its financial services sector highlighted as a bridge for cross-border capital and wealth management at Business Forum 2026. Regulators & Finance: India’s securities regulator (SEBI) is tightening scrutiny of Wall Street traders, including a Mauritius-based JPMorgan unit accused of manipulative stock trades—part of a broader push to protect retail investors. Local Tech & Media Infrastructure: At IBC2026, Broadcasting Center Africa signed an agreement to develop technology capabilities in MediaCity Mauritius with BCE, aiming for an Africa media and content tech epicentre and stronger “data sovereignty.” Pakistan-Africa Trade Push: Pakistan and African partners launched the Pakistan-Africa Economic Council, targeting $15bn bilateral trade by 2030, with Mauritius among the attending states. Education & Society: A global snapshot shows women outpace men in college enrolment across most countries, with the gender gap widening in several major economies. Migration Policy Watch: Sweden’s election puts its hardline migration overhaul under scrutiny, as asylum and migration rules remain politically charged. Sports (Mauritius relevance): India’s midfielder Anirudh Thapa returns to the national team after playing Mauritius in 2024, with friendlies against Panama, Brazil and Uruguay.

Mauritius–Africa Trade Push: Pakistan and African states launched the Pakistan-Africa Economic Council, aiming to lift bilateral trade to $15bn by 2030, with Mauritius among the attending partners and a focus on private-sector links. Mauritius as Investment Gateway: At Business Forum 2026, Mauritius Finance highlighted the island’s role as a bridge for African and emerging-market investors, pointing to its financial services depth and stability. Media Tech Cooperation: Broadcasting Center Africa signed with Broadcasting Center Europe to build a data-sovereign technology epicentre for Africa’s media and content industry in MediaCity Mauritius. Regional Finance Oversight: Kenya’s central bank proposed tighter rules for “too big to fail” banks, restricting expansion and new products for systemically important lenders. Defence Diplomacy: India released RAKSHA, a 10-year roadmap for defence diplomacy and global partnerships, alongside defence industrial cooperation deals. UK Border Rules: The UK updated eGate requirements for travellers from seven non-EU countries, adding specific pre-arrival conditions. Sports (Mauritius-linked): Orlando Pirates coach Ouaddou says they won’t underestimate Mauritian side La Cure Sylvester in their Champions League preliminary second leg after a 0-0 first match. Business/IPO Watch: Analysts debated the valuation of Nigeria’s Dangote refinery IPO as it opens mid-September.

Mauritius–India Finance & Trade: Mauritius is being pitched as a “gateway” for African investment, with Mauritius Finance CEO Faraz Rojid telling the Mauritius Business Forum 2026 that the island’s location, financial infrastructure and 15% corporate tax help attract cross-border capital. Digital Payments & Mobility: India’s GFF 2026 rollout includes a Unified Ticketing Platform and RuPay/UPI upgrades aimed at easier payments and ticketing, with pilots linked to transit and heritage sites. BRICS Payments Debate: At BRICS, India signalled it is not backing a common BRICS currency, instead pushing cheaper cross-border payment linkages and digital options. UK Border Rules: The UK updated eGate/eTA guidance, listing specific requirements for travellers using automatic eGates and clarifying eTA stays. Pakistan–Africa Economic Council: Pakistan launched the PAEC with African partners including Mauritius, targeting USD 15bn in bilateral trade by 2030 and closer private-sector ties. Local Politics & Security Abroad: A report alleges “dark” money pressure behind a Scotland anti-asylum protest group, raising concerns about hard-right influence. Sports (Mauritius link): Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says they won’t underestimate Mauritian side La Cure Sylvester in their Champions League preliminary tie after a 0-0 first leg.

Mauritius as investment gateway: At Mauritius Business Forum 2026, Mauritius Finance CEO Faraz Rojid pitched the island as a bridge for Africa-linked capital, citing political stability, no exchange controls, a 15% corporate tax rate and a mature financial services sector that supports cross-border wealth management and business expansion. BRICS payments push (no common currency): India’s line at the BRICS summit is clear—no shared BRICS currency for now. Instead, New Delhi is backing practical links between existing payment systems and digital rails (including CBDCs and fast-payment linkages) to cut friction from tariffs and sanctions. UK border rules update: The UK published new eGates requirements for citizens of seven countries (Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, US), including biometric passport and digital status conditions, plus two extra physical requirements before using automatic lanes. Regional travel access lists: South Korea’s K-ETA eligibility includes Mauritius (alongside other select African states), while the Philippines’ Balikbayan Program lists 46 African countries for visa-free entry when travelling with a former Filipino. Legal and governance watch: Nepal’s telecom regulator says UTL’s licence was automatically cancelled after missed renewal fees, with about Rs31bn in dues still pending formal notice. Sports (Mauritius angle): Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says they won’t underestimate Mauritian side La Cure Sylvester in the Champions League preliminary second leg after a 0-0 first match.

Telecom Regulation: Nepal’s telecom regulator says United Telecom Limited’s licence was automatically cancelled after it missed renewal and payment deadlines, with about Rs31 billion owed, while the board’s formal notice is still “under process.” Sports (Mauritius ties): Red Arrows have arrived in Mauritius for the CAF Confederation Cup second leg against FC Rouge with a 2-0 Zambia advantage, but coach Chisi Mbewe warns against complacency. Local Football (Mauritius opponents): Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says he won’t underestimate Mauritian side La Cure Sylvester in their Champions League preliminary tie locked 0-0 after the first leg. Travel Policy (regional): Thailand will cut visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days from Sept. 15, with a paid one-time extension option. Digital Finance (India–diaspora): IFSCA is piloting unassisted Aadhaar face authentication in the UAE to speed up NRI onboarding for cross-border investing. Global Politics (Mauritius in the mix): Early voting for Russia’s State Duma elections is underway, with polling stations listed in Mauritius among many countries.

Visa Policy Shift: Thailand will cut visa-free border stays from 60 to 30 days for 60 countries from 15 September, with a one-time 30-day extension possible via an immigration office before the first stamp expires. Regional Diplomacy & Elections: Russia’s State Duma early voting begins in Benghazi (Libya) and also in the Comoros, with polling stations listed across many countries including Mauritius. Finance & Payments: India’s GFF 2026 showcased new NPCI payment and ticketing upgrades, including a Unified Ticketing Platform and RuPay/UPI features aimed at faster, more digital transactions. Mauritius in the Spotlight: South Korea’s K-ETA eligibility list includes Mauritius, allowing visa-free entry via electronic authorisation for up to 90 days; separately, New Zealand’s visa waiver list names Mauritius for visa-free travel but requires an NZeTA. Cross-border Tech/Trade: India’s BRICS push focuses on using national currencies and central-bank digital currencies for cross-border payments, while avoiding a single bloc-wide payments system that could challenge the dollar. Sports (Local Interest): Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says they won’t underestimate Mauritian side La Cure Sylvester ahead of their Champions League preliminary second leg tied 0-0.

Chagos Sovereignty Row: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has urged UK PM Andy Burnham to reopen talks over the Chagos Islands, saying the Maldives should have been consulted before Britain agreed to transfer control to Mauritius, while the UK insists it will be “relentless” in defending the Falkland Islanders’ right to choose to be British. Mauritius-India Tourism Push: Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority says Indian arrivals rose 14.5% in Jan–Jul 2026 to 51,005 visitors after a four-city push in Pune, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad, pitching Mauritius beyond beach holidays into MICE, wellness, golf and more. Mauritius Connectivity via Air Links: IndiGo will launch daily direct Mumbai–Dar es Salaam flights from 20 November, adding to its existing direct services to Nairobi, Mauritius and Seychelles—boosting trade, tourism and education links. Regional Trade & Finance: India is pushing BRICS to use central bank-backed digital currencies for cross-border payments to cut costs and reduce reliance on Swift, while avoiding a single bloc-wide payments system that could be seen as anti-dollar. Tech & SEZ Competition: Sri Lanka’s Port City Colombo is courting US and Europe tech firms with India operations to “derisk” and diversify, pitching lower costs and a bridge to RCEP-linked trade. Market/Regulatory Watch: TAG Markets has named Craig Lund CEO, as a separate Sonic AI trading promotion continues to draw scrutiny over brokers, compensation and promoter claims.

Chagos Sovereignty Row: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has asked UK PM Andy Burnham to reopen “meaningful dialogue” over the Chagos Islands, saying the Maldives was not consulted before the UK agreed to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius—while the UK insists it will be “relentless” in defending Falkland Islanders’ right to choose British citizenship. Mauritius-India Ties: Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority says Indian visitors rose 14.5% in Jan–Jul 2026 to 51,005, after a four-city push in Pune, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. Mauritius Fisheries Enforcement: Mauritius’ Cabinet approved amended rules for the fisheries electronic reporting system to curb IUU fishing, including mandatory repairs within 30 days and restrictions on trips when units fail. Regional Connectivity: IndiGo will launch daily Mumbai–Dar es Salaam flights from 20 November 2026, boosting India–East Africa links; Kenya’s LuLu coastal submarine cable plan targets data-centre and fintech growth along the coast. Travel Rules Watch: New Zealand’s visa waiver list includes only Mauritius and Seychelles in Africa (via NZeTA), while Thailand cuts visa-free stays to 30 days (and 15 days for Mauritius and Seychelles) from 15 September. Finance & Markets: India is pushing BRICS toward central bank digital currencies for cross-border payments, aiming to cut costs without backing a single bloc-wide system that could challenge the dollar.

UK–Mauritius Chagos Fallout: UK PM Andy Burnham told Parliament he will be “relentless” in defending Falkland Islanders’ right to be British, while the Chagos handover dispute keeps spilling into wider sovereignty politics; Indian Ocean Diplomacy: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu asked Burnham to reopen “meaningful dialogue” on Chagos sovereignty, arguing the UK should have consulted Malé before the Mauritius deal; Mauritius Aviation Policy: Mauritius will set up a National Aviation Council reporting to the Prime Minister to review air access from a global perspective, with Abu Dhabi’s Etihad interest to be assessed within a broader partnership; Fisheries Governance: Mauritius approved amended rules for its fisheries electronic reporting system to curb IUU fishing, including mandatory repairs within 30 days and restrictions on trips when units are inoperative; Tourism–India Push: Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority wrapped a four-city India drive (Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad), reporting 14.5% year-on-year growth to 51,005 Indian visitors in Jan–July 2026; Regional Connectivity (Kenya): Mauritius-headquartered INDOI is part of the LuLu Coastal Cable System launch in Kenya, a protected submarine cable linking Mombasa to Lamu and boosting coastal digital access.

Mauritius Fisheries Oversight: The Mauritian Cabinet approved amended regulations for the fisheries electronic reporting system (ERS) to curb IUU fishing, tightening compliance by requiring ERS repairs within 30 days at approved ports and blocking new trips until units are fixed and verified. Chagos Diplomacy Fallout: In the UK, Labour’s Chagos surrender deal is again under fire as Andy Burnham insists Britain will be “relentless” on the Falklands while refusing to cut social security to fund defence; meanwhile the Maldives has asked Burnham to reopen sovereignty talks, and the UK says sovereignty is a UK–Mauritius matter. Aviation Policy Shift: Mauritius will set up a National Aviation Council reporting to the Prime Minister to review air access policy from a global perspective, including how to expand connectivity beyond Air Mauritius. Regional Connectivity: Kenya launched the LuLu Coastal Cable System at ITW Africa, a project co-developed with Mauritius-headquartered INDOI, aiming to strengthen protected connectivity along Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline. Finance & Markets: India’s SEBI is stepping up scrutiny of Wall Street traders, including a Mauritius-based JPMorgan unit accused of manipulative trades; separately, Adani plans a $2.5bn offshore refinancing via a Mauritius-based SPV. Immigration & Travel: The US Diversity Visa DV-2026 selection process is underway, while Thailand’s visa-exempt stay rules shift from 60 to 30 days from 15 September 2026.