Manmohan Singh?s visit is yet another signal of a fundamental shift in India?s relations with Mauritius. They used to be rooted in our shared cultural heritage but are evolving towards a future-oriented economic partnership. Such a changeover may however prompt a backlash from those Mauritians in whose psyche India?s image is still embedded as the land of their origin.

During the past decades, talks between the leaders of our two countries had a single point agenda. There were few issues that would be raised beyond our historic cultural ties. But India is now emerging as a global economic giant, having already carved out a niche for itself in the software, IT and biotechnology sectors. Thus, it has less time to spend on history.

Manmohan Singh, the man who launched India?s economic reforms in 1991, has got his priorities in the right order. Yesterday, before embarking on what he nevertheless described as a ?sentimental journey?, he indicated that economic cooperation would be on top of the agenda during his talks in Mauritius. ?I hope to discuss with the Mauritian leadership, ways of further deepening the economic contents of our relations?? he told Indian journalists in New Delhi.

During his visit, he will inaugurate a Cyber Tower and unveil an inaugural plaque at the Swami Vivekananda International Centre. In older times, Indian prime ministers would inaugurate cultural centres and institutes!

In reports that appeared in the Indian press, much emphasis is laid on the economic aspect of the event: ?The visit is very significant in terms of bilateral economics as Mauritius has been a prominent partner in India?s economic development?? writes The Hindustan Times. Indeed, the glaring difference in size is not a problem. When the prestigious State guest yesterday described Mauritius as a ?friendly gateway to African continent? he showed to Indian investors the importance of a stopover in our country. In addition, the routing of foreign investment in India has made Mauritius the largest investor there since 1991. India is also seeking fifth freedom rights from our government so that its national carrier can pick up passengers here en route to other destinations.

Despite being a small country, Mauritius has been praised by Manmohan Singh for its contribution as an ?invaluable partner at multilateral fora? . Mauritius has invariably espoused Indian causes at the United Nations even to the extent of straining our relations with friendly countries like Pakistan.

However, for many Mauritians, fourth or fifth descendants of Indian indentured labourers, the bonds with the land of their fore- fathers transcend economic considerations. There exists an emotional tie which is so intense that many believe even a visit by an Indian prime minister can have a significant impact on the political scene, yielding benefits for the party in power.

The Congress party of Sonia Gandhi could obviously not be swayed by the argument that Manmohan Singh?s visit could have a bearing on our electoral campaign. It would not spend its energy on Mauritian politics when it is busy closing the gap with the world?s economic powers. Anyway, neither Italian-born Sonia nor the Sikh prime minister Manmohan Singh would agree that ethnic or religious affinities should determine political behaviour. The essential thing is the economy, stupid.