PM Modi's Visit to Mauritius: Enhancing Bilateral Relations
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Synopsis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Mauritius aims to strengthen bilateral ties and includes key project inaugurations and MoU signings. This marks his first trip since 2015, reinforcing India's commitment to regional cooperation.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi's visit strengthens India-Mauritius ties.
- Inauguration of the Civil Service College and Area Health Centre.
- Signing of multiple MoUs in various sectors.
- Participation of Indian Defence forces in National Day celebrations.
- Focus on maritime security and regional cooperation.
Port Louis, March 11 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Port Louis on Tuesday morning for an important two-day visit to Mauritius, aimed at further bolstering the ties between the two countries.
Upon his arrival in the East African nation, the Prime Minister received a ceremonial welcome at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport from his Mauritian counterpart Navinchandra Ramgoolam.
Adding to the warm reception, members of the Indian diaspora gathered outside the Oberoi Hotel in Port Louis to welcome the Indian Prime Minister.
PM Modi is set to be the Chief Guest at the National Day celebrations of Mauritius on March 12, following an invitation from Prime Minister Ramgoolam.
This visit is particularly significant as it marks PM Modi's first trip to Mauritius since 2015, when he introduced India's Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), emphasizing the importance of collaboration in the Indian Ocean region.
During his stay, PM Modi will meet with the President of Mauritius, Dharam Gokhool, and engage with Prime Minister Ramgoolam and other high-ranking officials.
His schedule also includes discussions with leaders from various political parties and members of the Indian-origin community, who play a crucial role in the cultural and social fabric of Mauritius.
As part of this visit, PM Modi will inaugurate two major projects -- the Civil Service College and the Area Health Centre -- both funded through India's grant assistance. These initiatives reflect India's ongoing commitment to supporting Mauritius' development.
The trip is anticipated to culminate in the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), enhancing cooperation in diverse areas like maritime security, healthcare, small and medium enterprises, trade, and capacity building. This visit aligns seamlessly with India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, aimed at strengthening connections with regional partners.
A notable highlight of the National Day celebrations will be the involvement of Indian Defence forces. An Indian Navy contingent, along with an Indian Navy ship, will participate in the festivities.
Moreover, an Indian Navy helicopter, the Akash Ganga Skydiving Team from the Indian Air Force, and a group of NCC cadets will demonstrate their skills during the celebrations.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that both nations will establish a technical agreement for sharing white-shipping information between the Indian Navy and Mauritian authorities.
This initiative is expected to enhance Mauritius' maritime security by improving surveillance in its trade corridors and boosting regional cooperation for real-time data sharing.
Foreign Secretary Misri further emphasized that PM Modi and PM Ramgoolam will jointly inaugurate projects implemented with Indian support and oversee the signing of various MoUs focused on capacity building, bilateral trade, combating cross-border financial crimes, and promoting small and medium enterprises.
High-level diplomatic interactions between India and Mauritius have been steady in recent years. President Murmu attended Mauritius' National Day celebrations in 2024 as the Chief Guest, while Mauritius has been a prominent participant in PM Modi's swearing-in ceremonies in 2014, 2019, and 2024.
Mauritius was also a special invitee at the G20 Summit in 2023 and co-founded the Global Biofuels Alliance alongside India and other countries.
This visit not only reinforces the robust historical bonds between the two nations but also signifies a new chapter in their strategic partnership, with promising collaborations set to advance development and security in the region.
