Mauritius: A Vital Partner in the Indian Ocean and Gateway to Africa, Says PM Modi
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Synopsis
During his two-day visit to Mauritius, PM Modi aims to strengthen the partnership with the island nation across various sectors, enhancing cooperation in development, maritime safety, and more.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi expresses eagerness to engage with Mauritius leadership.
- Focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation in various sectors.
- Participation of Indian defense forces in National Day celebrations.
- Signing of a technical agreement for maritime security.
- Vision SAGAR emphasizes security and growth in the Indian Ocean.
New Delhi, March 10 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his eagerness to engage with the leadership of Mauritius to enhance the collaboration between the two nations across all dimensions during his upcoming two-day State Visit to the Indian Ocean island, starting early Tuesday morning.
Mauritius serves as a close maritime neighbor, a crucial ally in the Indian Ocean, and a gateway to the African continent. Our connection is rooted in history, geography, and culture. The deep mutual trust, shared democratic values, and celebration of our diversity constitute our strengths. The strong historical ties between our peoples are a source of shared pride. Over the past decade, we have made significant progress through people-centric initiatives,” PM Modi mentioned in his departure statement.
PM Modi will visit Mauritius at the invitation of Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam to be the Chief Guest at the nation’s National Day celebrations on Wednesday.
“I am eager to engage with the Mauritius leadership to elevate our partnership in all its dimensions and fortify our enduring friendship for the advancement and prosperity of our peoples, as well as for security and development within the Indian Ocean Region, as part of our Vision SAGAR,” stated PM Modi.
“I am confident that this visit will build upon the groundwork laid in the past and usher in a new and vibrant chapter in the India-Mauritius relationship,” he added.
The distinct and exceptional India-Mauritius relationship, which has deepened considerably over the last decade, is poised to strengthen further during PM Modi’s visit to Port Louis.
A contingent of Indian defense forces will participate in the celebrations alongside a ship from the Indian Navy.
This marks PM Modi's first visit to Mauritius since 2015 when he articulated India’s Vision SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region, which, along with the 'Neighbourhood First' policy, 'Act East' policy, 'Think West' policy, and 'Connect Central Asia' policy, continues to shape New Delhi's approach to its neighborhood and beyond while reinforcing historical and civilizational ties.
“We aspire for a future for the Indian Ocean that embodies the essence of SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region. We should draw inspiration from the Monsoon, which nurtures and connects us all in the region. We will work to unify our region in partnership, just as we were once unified by geography. An Ocean that links our world should transform into a pathway of peace and prosperity for everyone,” PM Modi remarked during the Commissioning of Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Barracuda - the inaugural export warship constructed and delivered by an Indian shipyard - in Mauritius on March 12, 2015.
“It is no coincidence that I discuss our aspirations for the Indian Ocean Region in Mauritius. Our collaboration with Mauritius stands among our strongest maritime partnerships globally. Our partnership will flourish. Together, we will enhance our capabilities. We will also jointly train and patrol the seas,” PM Modi had stated during that significant visit.
PM Modi's current visit aims to further deepen collaboration across various sectors and enhance bilateral cooperation in areas such as development partnerships, capacity building, maritime safety and security, health, small and medium enterprises, and robust financial and trade connectivity, in addition to reinforcing existing people-to-people connections.
Having elevated maritime security cooperation to unprecedented heights since then, it is fitting that an Indian Naval Ship makes a port call at Port Louis to commemorate the occasion on Wednesday. A marching contingent from the Indian Navy, along with an Indian Navy helicopter, the Akash Ganga Skydiving Team from the Indian Air Force, and a team of NCC cadets will also participate in the National Day celebrations this year.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has already indicated that both nations will sign a technical agreement on sharing white-shipping information between the Indian Navy and Mauritius authorities, which will further boost Mauritius' maritime security, safeguard its trading corridors, and enhance regional cooperation in real-time data sharing. This agreement will also facilitate cooperation in combating illegal activities and improve Mauritius' maritime domain awareness in the region.
“This collaboration will involve not only the Indian Navy but also the Mauritius police force to combat such activities. An allied MoU will also be signed between the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) and the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Prime Minister's Office from the Mauritius side, establishing a comprehensive framework for cooperation on ocean observation, research, information management, and enhancing maritime zone management in Mauritius,” Misri stated last week.
