In the context of the Indian Ocean region, India and Mauritius in September called for greater collaboration in the area of defence and security. In a meeting with visiting Mauritian Finance Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said that the long-standing partnership between India and Mauritius had played a critical role in ensuring peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region, according to sources here. “In this context, both leaders called for greater collaboration in the area of defence and security,” a source said. “India offered to provide assistance in terms of hydrographic surveys.” Mrs Sushma Swaraj also appreciated Mr Jugnauth’s giving priority to visiting India on his first tour abroad, “which was in keeping with the very special ‘blood relationship’ between India and Mauritius”. Foreign Minister Mrs Sushma Swaraj welcomes Mauritian Finance Minister Mr pravind Kumar Jugnauth