How Did Vice Prez Radhakrishnan and Mauritius PM Ramgoolam Discuss Strengthening Ties?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Strengthening Bilateral Ties: The meeting highlighted efforts to enhance India-Mauritius relations.
- Historical Connections: Emphasis on shared history and culture between the two nations.
- Support from Indian Diaspora: Acknowledgment of the Indian community's role in fostering ties.
- Strategic Partnerships: Seychelles is a significant partner in India's Vision MAHASAGAR.
- Diplomatic Engagement: Continued dialogue is essential for mutual benefits.
Victoria (Seychelles), Oct 26 (NationPress) Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan convened with Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam of Mauritius in Seychelles on Sunday to explore avenues for enhancing their bilateral relationship.
In a statement released on X, the Vice President’s Office remarked, “Hon’ble Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan met H. E. Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Prime Minister of Mauritius, in Seychelles. The leaders reflected on the robust and enduring connections entrenched in shared history and culture and discussed strategies to further bolster India–Mauritius bilateral relations.”
Earlier in the day, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan addressed the Indian community members in Seychelles, emphasizing the “long-standing and multifaceted connections” shared by the two nations. He praised the significant role the Indian diaspora plays in fortifying bilateral ties.
“Hon’ble Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan received a warm welcome from the vibrant Indian community in Seychelles. While addressing the gathering, he underscored the long-standing, multi-dimensional relationships between India and Seychelles and commended the Indian diaspora’s contribution in enhancing bilateral relations,” as posted by the Vice President’s Office on X.
C. P. Radhakrishnan is on a two-day visit to Seychelles to attend the swearing-in ceremony for President-elect Patrick Herminie. During this visit, Vice President Radhakrishnan will convey India’s heartfelt wishes to Herminie and reaffirm the close, enduring, and established ties between the two nations, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
“Seychelles is a significant partner in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR and our commitment to the Global South. This visit highlights India’s deep resolve to fortify and expand its partnership with Seychelles,” stated an MEA release.
India’s engagement with Seychelles is marked by historical connections and continuous support for its security. The India–Seychelles relationship epitomizes strong friendship, understanding, and cooperation.
“In 1770, a small group of five Indians arrived in Seychelles as plantation workers along with seven African slaves and 15 French colonists, marking the first inhabitants of the Islands,” notes the MEA.
Regular trade links encouraged the migration of an Indian trading community in search of better opportunities after reaching a saturation point in East Africa.
It’s noteworthy that diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles were established post the nation’s independence in 1976. On June 26, 1976, when Seychelles gained freedom, a contingent from the Indian Naval Ship, INS Nilgiri, participated in the Independence Day festivities.
The Indian Mission was set up in 1979 in Victoria, with the High Commissioner based in Dar-es-Salaam and concurrently accredited to Seychelles. The first resident High Commissioner was appointed in 1987, while Seychelles opened its resident mission in New Delhi in early 2008.