How Has Mauritius Benefitted from India's Generous Assistance and Expertise in Key Sectors?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India's support has been pivotal in Mauritius' national development.
- Collaborative agreements aim to enhance bilateral relations.
- Focus on critical sectors such as health and education.
- Joint initiatives to address global challenges like climate change.
- Strengthened ties through a special economic package.
Varanasi, Sep 11 (NationPress) The Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, expressed his appreciation for India's unwavering support throughout the years, emphasizing that Mauritius has greatly benefited from India's expertise in vital sectors of national development such as health, education, and capacity building.
"The warmth we have experienced, I believe, is unmatched by any other Prime Minister, and it is particularly gratifying to witness this in your constituency. I can see why you have garnered such overwhelming support... Over the years, India, through its various administrations, has been a steadfast partner to Mauritius in its advancement and growth... We have reaped the rewards of India's generous support and expertise in essential sectors of national development, which encompass but are not limited to health, education, capacity building, renewable energy, infrastructure, and maritime security. India's timely assistance in these domains continues to significantly enhance the quality of life for Mauritians," stated Ramgoolam during a press conference alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi after their discussions in Varanasi.
Ramgoolam expressed gratitude to India for unveiling a special economic package for Mauritius and reminisced about Modi's visit to Mauritius earlier this year, during which both nations elevated their bilateral relations with a joint document on enhanced strategic partnership.
"I am also pleased that many of the initiatives we discussed are being put into action... This special economic package, as mentioned by the Prime Minister, focuses on education, energy, infrastructure, and health services. An ayurvedic center will also be an exceptional addition, thanks to your blessings, Prime Minister, allowing us to achieve tangible results. We had the honor of welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi for our 57th independence anniversary, and it was during this visit that Modi ji strengthened our bilateral relations with the Mauritius-India joint document on enhanced strategic partnership."
The Prime Minister of Mauritius announced that the ties between the two nations have entered a more dynamic and forward-looking phase. He remarked that discussions with PM Modi led to the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the two countries.
"I am pleased to confirm that our relationship has embarked on an even more dynamic and progressive trajectory. Key topics we discussed include the double taxation avoidance treaty, which we believe can be refined, along with the training framework for our police forces, which is vital. Our police do travel to India for training, but we aim to overhaul the entire structure. Central to this visit were constructive discussions regarding the surveillance of the expansive exclusive economic zone, as we have acquired it and will be going through Parliament shortly. We require technical cooperation from India for surveillance, as we currently lack the capability, and we also wish to visit the Chagos to plant our flag there, including Diego Garcia."
Regarding his talks with PM Modi, Ramgoolam said, "Beyond bilateral matters, Prime Minister Modi and I engaged in substantial discussions on urgent global challenges. We will also collaborate on maritime security and climate change. These dialogues have resulted in several Memoranda of Understanding being signed in the realms of community development, power, energy, scientific and technological research, education, marine science, and space research, which will fortify and guide our cooperation in the future... This visit has reaffirmed that the relationship between Mauritius and India is not simply shaped by history or geography, but by shared values, a common vision, and a lasting friendship."