New Delhi, March 12 -- India is set to enhance its strategic partnership with Mauritius by signing a maritime agreement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ongoing visit to the island nation.

The agreement, once finalised, will facilitate the exchange of information between the Indian and Mauritian navies and coast guards on commercial shipping in their respective territorial waters.

The white shipping agreement is expected to bolster India's maritime security by providing a closer watch over the western Indian Ocean. The move comes as China continues to expand its presence in the region, and amid the ongoing U.S. strategic pivot to Asia.

While an official announcement is awaited, the agreement signifies deepening bilateral cooperati...