Enhancing People-to-People Relations: India and Mauritius Sign Eight MoUs to Fortify Strategic and Economic Partnerships

Port Louis, March 12 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritian counterpart, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, observed the signing of eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on Wednesday, encompassing various sectors such as crime investigation, maritime traffic monitoring, infrastructure diplomacy, commerce, capacity building, finance, and the ocean economy.

During a joint press conference, PM Modi conveyed his best wishes to the people of Mauritius on their National Day and emphasized the enduring bonds that link the two nations.

"The relationship between India and Mauritius transcends the Indian Ocean, rooted in our common cultural traditions and values. We have supported one another through every challenge, whether it be a natural disaster or the Covid crisis, collaborating in defense, education, health, or space, working together in all fields," he stated.

Reflecting on the advancements achieved over the last decade, PM Modi noted that the partnership has significantly broadened, introducing new facets to bilateral cooperation.

He highlighted key projects like the Metro Express, Supreme Court building, social housing initiatives, the ENT hospital, and digital innovations such as UPI and RuPay cards, all of which have enhanced trade and tourism relations. Furthermore, he mentioned the establishment of Jan Aushadhi Kendras to ensure affordable, high-quality medicines for the people of Mauritius.

Reiterating the commitment to an "Enhanced Strategic Partnership," PM Modi declared that India would assist in constructing a new parliament building in Mauritius as a "gift from the Mother of Democracy."

He also disclosed plans to modernize a 100-kilometer water pipeline in Mauritius and initiate new community development projects worth 500 million Mauritian rupees in the second phase of collaboration.

"In the upcoming five years, 500 civil servants from Mauritius will receive training in India. An agreement has also been reached to facilitate mutual trade in local currency along our beaches. The Prime Minister and I concur that defense cooperation and maritime security are pivotal to our strategic partnership. A free, open, secure, and safe Indian Ocean is our top priority. We are dedicated to offering full cooperation regarding the security of Mauritius' exclusive economic zone," he added.

As part of security collaborations, India will aid in setting up a police academy and a national maritime information-sharing center in Mauritius. PM Modi further emphasized enhanced cooperation in white shipping, the blue economy, and hydrography.

He reaffirmed India's respect for Mauritius' sovereignty, promising greater collaboration via platforms such as the Colombo Security Conclave, the Indian Ocean Rim Association, and the Indian Ocean Conference.

Underlining the importance of people-to-people ties, PM Modi indicated that India and Mauritius would collaborate to utilize artificial intelligence and digital public infrastructure for human development.

"Facilities will be provided for Char Dham Yatra and Ramayana trial in India for the people of Mauritius, with a focus on protecting and promoting our inscribed heritage," he said.

"Whether concerning the global south, the Indian Ocean, or the African landmass, Mauritius is our vital partner. A decade ago, we laid the foundation for the vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) here in Mauritius. We are advancing this vision for the stability and prosperity of the entire region. Today, I wish to extend our vision for the global south beyond the sea and into the ocean," he concluded.

Welcoming PM Modi, Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam expressed appreciation for his attendance on Mauritius' National Day, recognizing it as a symbol of the "unique and special relationship" between the two nations.

He recollected that although diplomatic relations were officially established in 1948, the historical and cultural connection between the people of India and Mauritius has existed for centuries.

"The tremendous success of the community event held the previous evening at the Triano Convention Centre, which brought together Mauritian citizens and members of the Indian diaspora, vividly illustrated the vibrancy of our shared cultural heritage. I take pride in highlighting the dynamic partnership between our two countries," he stated.

"Mauritius continues to gain from Indian support for its socio-economic development," Ramgoolam mentioned, indicating the signing of the eight MoUs as another landmark in bilateral cooperation.

Among the agreements was an MoU between the Central Bank of Mauritius and the Reserve Bank of India concerning a Local Currency Settlement System, which will streamline financial transactions between the two nations.

Another significant agreement involved a Credit Facility Agreement between the Government of Mauritius and the State Bank of India to finance initiatives under the Pipe Replacement Programme, aimed at enhancing the nation's water infrastructure. Additionally, an MoU was signed between the Institute of Foreign Service of India and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and International Trade of Mauritius to train Mauritian diplomats.

Collaborations in security and law enforcement were also fortified through an MoU on the Sharing of White Shipping Information between the Indian Navy and the Mauritius Police Force, aimed at strengthening maritime security.

To further enhance financial oversight, the Financial Crimes Commission of Mauritius and India's Enforcement Directorate signed an MoU to bolster efforts against financial crimes.

In the economic realm, an MoU was established between the Ministry of Industry, SMEs, and Cooperatives of Mauritius and India's Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, promoting collaboration in the development of MSMEs.

Another agreement was signed between the Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reforms of Mauritius and India's National Centre for Good Governance to train Mauritian public officers.

The two nations also formalized an MoU between the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, under India's Ministry of Earth Sciences, and the Department for Continental Shelf, Maritime Zones Administration, and Exploration under the Prime Minister's Office of Mauritius. This agreement aims to enhance cooperation in ocean-related research and exploration.

The high-level interactions and agreements finalized during PM Modi's visit reaffirm the strengthening of India-Mauritius relations, paving the way for deeper collaboration across various sectors, from governance and infrastructure to trade, security, and culture.