What to Expect from Mauritius PM's Upcoming Visit to Varanasi?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Navinchandra Ramgoolam will visit Varanasi from September 10 to 12.
- A bilateral meeting with PM Modi is scheduled for September 11.
- Ramgoolam will participate in Ganga Arti and visit Baba Kashi Vishwanath.
- This visit marks a significant diplomatic engagement between India and Mauritius.
- Ramgoolam previously visited India in May 2014.
New Delhi, Sep 7 (NationPress) The Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, is scheduled to arrive in the sacred city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh from September 10 to 12, as confirmed by a senior official from the district administration.
On September 11, he will engage in a bilateral discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
“Ramgoolam will participate in the Ganga Arti on the evening of September 11 and will offer his prayers at Baba Kashi Vishwanath on September 12, followed by a visit to Ayodhya,” stated Varanasi Divisional Commissioner S. Rajalingam on Saturday.
“PM Modi is expected to arrive in Varanasi on September 11. After his meeting with the Mauritian Prime Minister, he will return to Delhi,” he noted.
According to a press release from the Union Ministry of External Affairs, “Prime Minister Ramgoolam will be on an official visit to India from September 9 to 16. This marks his inaugural overseas bilateral visit to India during his current term.”
Previously, Ramgoolam visited India in May 2014.
His itinerary also includes visits to Mumbai and Tirupati.
In Mumbai, he is slated to take part in a business event.
During a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on September 5, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted Ramgoolam's past visit to India in 2014 to attend PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony.
Last month, Ramgoolam extended his wishes to PM Modi and the Indian populace on the occasion of Independence Day.
In his message, Ramgoolam remarked that Mauritius cherishes the principles of freedom, democracy, and unity, which India has upheld since 1947. He underscored the historical and cultural ties between the two nations.
“On this significant day of India’s Independence Day, I convey my heartfelt wishes to the Government and people of India. As we honor this momentous occasion, we celebrate the ideals of freedom, democracy, and unity that India has steadfastly championed since 1947. The relationship between Mauritius and India is deeply rooted in history, culture, and bonds that inspire ongoing cooperation, friendship, and mutual respect. May India continue to thrive in peace, prosperity, and progress, setting an example for the world with its resilience and vision. Happy Independence Day, India!” Ramgoolam expressed in a post on X.
PM Modi expressed gratitude towards his Mauritian counterpart, recognizing Mauritius as India’s “strategic and trusted partner” in the mutual quest for progress, prosperity, and a promising future for both nations.
“I am grateful for your kind wishes, Prime Minister Dr. Navin Ramgoolam, on our Independence Day. Mauritius will perpetually be a strategic and trusted ally in our joint endeavors for progress, prosperity, and a brighter future for our peoples,” PM Modi tweeted.
Earlier this year, PM Modi had visited Mauritius for two days at Ramgoolam's invitation to participate in the 57th National Day celebrations of Mauritius. During this visit, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with Ramgoolam and Mauritius President Dharam Gokhool.
India shares “close and enduring relations” with Mauritius, founded on mutual history, demographics, and culture, as per a statement from the Indian High Commission in Mauritius. Mauritius was among the few key nations with which independent India established diplomatic relations in 1948, even prior to Mauritius gaining independence. This relationship has been characterized by a high level of trust and understanding at the leadership level, along with ongoing high-level political engagement.