What is Foreign Secretary Misri's Mission in Mauritius?

Mauritius, July 1 (NationPress) - Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrived in Mauritius on Tuesday for a visit aimed at enhancing the bilateral relationship, which is defined by strong and lasting connections rooted in mutual friendship, culture, and a shared civilizational legacy.

The visit underscores the ongoing high-level interactions between India and Mauritius, emphasizing the significance India places on Mauritius as a vital ally in our Neighbourhood First, Vision Sagar, MAHASAGAR, and Africa Forward initiatives, reflecting our commitment to the Global South,” the Indian Embassy in Mauritius shared on X.

The trust and mutual understanding between the leadership of both nations are evident in the consistent high-level political dialogue. These unique ties have led to exceptionally close collaboration in maritime security, development partnerships, capacity building, international cooperation, and bilateral technical support through the deployment of Indian specialists in the region.

The strong relationship is also illustrated by the numerous India-supported development initiatives visible throughout the Mauritian landscape. The lasting cultural and interpersonal connections between India and Mauritius are fostered by the Indian Cultural Centre in Mauritius—India’s largest cultural center globally—and the World Hindi Secretariat, a joint organization dedicated to promoting Hindi worldwide.

The Neighbourhood First strategy aims to enhance physical, digital, and interpersonal connectivity across the region while promoting trade and commerce. This strategy has become a core institutional priority for all relevant government branches managing relations and policies with India's neighbors.

The ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ (SAGAR) doctrine was first articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Mauritius in 2015. Under this vision, India aspires for a free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region based on a rules-based international framework, sustainable infrastructure investments, freedom of navigation and overflight, unobstructed lawful trade, respect for sovereignty, peaceful dispute resolution, and equality among all nations.

Earlier this year, at the invitation of Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Prime Minister Modi visited Mauritius as the Chief Guest for the National Day celebrations on March 12. A contingent from the Indian Defence Forces also took part in the festivities alongside a vessel from the Indian Navy.

During his March visit, Prime Ministers Modi and Ramgoolam engaged in comprehensive discussions on the extensive scope of bilateral relations between Mauritius and India, reaffirming their strong and enduring partnership while enhancing cooperation across all sectors.

Both leaders confirmed that Mauritius and India share a special and unparalleled relationship, grounded in shared history, language, culture, heritage, kinship, and values. They acknowledged that the Mauritius-India relationship, built on cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections, has flourished over the decades into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that encompasses various fields and benefits both nations, their citizens, and the broader Indian Ocean Region (IOR).