An inter-governmental MoU was concluded today at Port Louis between Government of India (GOI) and Government of Mauritius (GOM) for the supply of the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) to the Mauritius Police Force by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It was signed by High Commissioner of India M. Ganapathi and Permanent Secretary, Prime Minister’s Office, K.O. Fong Weng-Poorun. It would be recalled that during the visit of Prime Minister of Mauritius Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam to India in October 2005, GOI had agreed to extend a line of credit of US$ 100 million with a grant component of US$ 25 million. At the tenth session of the India Mauritius Joint Commission meeting co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Vice Prime Minister Rama Krishna Sithanen, held in Mauritius in December 2007, it was agreed to use part of the line of credit for the following purposes:

(i) Supply of an Advanced Light Helicopter
(ii) Setting up of a Coastal Radar Surveillance System and
(iii) Supply of an Offshore Patrol Vessel

The ALH will be funded entirely under the grant element of the line of credit. The helicopter is likely to be made available to Mauritius Police Force by end of March 2009. Dhruv, meaning the pole star in Sanskrit, is a state-of-the-art helicopter, which is expected to strengthen Mauritius’ air surveillance capabilities and add a definitive punch to the Police Helicopter Squadron. It is a multi-role, multi-mission new generation helicopter in the 5.5 tonnes weight class built to meet Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR).

The signing of the MOU is a significant step in furthering the bilateral defense co-operation between GOI and GOM. It reflects the firm commitment of both sides in further developing, consolidating and expanding the comprehensive multifaceted cooperation.

New Delhi
February 27, 2009