Synopsis
Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful praised PM Narendra Modi for India's rapid economic growth, which is on track to make it the world's third-largest economy. The two nations share a deep-rooted partnership, underscored by significant strategic discussions and initiatives during Modi's recent landmark State Visit to Mauritius.Key Takeaways
- PM Modi's leadership credited for India's economic rise.
- India poised to become the third-largest economy.
- Strengthening India-Mauritius relations highlighted.
- China's influence in the Indian Ocean region discussed.
- Key sectors for collaboration identified.
Port Louis, March 13 (NationPress) The Foreign Minister of Mauritius, Dhananjay Ramful, expressed his admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, attributing India's swift ascent towards becoming the world's third-largest economy to his leadership.
“India is on a promising path to securing the position of the third-largest global economy, largely due to PM Narendra Modi’s guidance. The nation is emerging not only as an economic powerhouse but also as a superpower. In the upcoming years, global focus will shift towards India, and we feel privileged to maintain such a strong relationship with the country,” Ramful stated in an exclusive interview with IANS in Port Louis.
PM Modi returned to New Delhi early Thursday after completing a significant State Visit to Mauritius, during which he participated in the National Day celebrations of the Indian Ocean nation as the Chief Guest for the second time, having first received this honor in 2015.
During the festivities, Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool awarded the 'Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean' (GCSK), the highest civilian accolade in Mauritius, to Prime Minister Modi—marking the first time an Indian leader has achieved this honor.
Ramful emphasized the strengthening partnership between India and Mauritius, highlighting the profound civilizational ties that bind the two nations. “India has consistently been our first responder on various projects. The demand for a new Parliament in Mauritius is a priority for us, and India has played a crucial role in assisting us,” he remarked.
Commending PM Modi’s vision of 'Viksit Bharat', Ramful noted, “PM Modi has launched numerous successful initiatives during his time in office, and I am optimistic that his vision for ‘Viksit Bharat’ will achieve similar success.”
He also addressed the growing influence of China in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). “China is mainly an economic partner for us, but we have always depended on India for security in the Indian Ocean. Recently, we signed an MOU with India to exchange maritime information, further solidifying our partnership. I doubt that China will significantly affect the robust relationship we have with India,” stated the Mauritian Foreign Minister.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi and Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam expressed satisfaction regarding their comprehensive discussions on the full range of bilateral relations, confirming that their close partnership has gained substantial strategic depth through the Enhanced Strategic Partnership.
The 'India-Mauritius Joint Vision for an Enhanced Strategic Partnership' unveiled on the second day of PM Modi's significant State Visit to the Indian Ocean nation underscored the unique and special relationship between the two countries, given their shared history, language, culture, heritage, kinship, and values.
Throughout his visit, PM Modi engaged in thorough discussions with the Mauritian leadership aimed at strengthening bilateral connections, focusing on collaboration in essential sectors such as infrastructure, housing, digital technology, healthcare, AI, and more.
