Did Sonia and Rahul Gandhi Meet Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Meeting signifies strong diplomatic ties
- Focus on economic and cultural cooperation
- Special Economic Package introduced
- Strengthening of bilateral relations
- Expansion into new areas like digital tech
New Delhi, Sep 16 (NationPress) Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP), along with Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition, met with Navinchandra Ramgoolam, the Prime Minister of Mauritius, in New Delhi on Tuesday.
Earlier that day, the visiting Prime Minister met with President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where they discussed the enduring bonds between their nations, deeply rooted in shared history, language, culture, and values.
This meeting marked the conclusion of Prime Minister Ramgoolam’s State Visit to India from September 9 to 16, which included stops in Mumbai, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Tirupati.
In her welcome address at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President emphasized that Mauritius holds a vital role in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy and the ‘MAHASAGAR Vision’, reflecting India’s commitment to the Global South.
The President expressed her satisfaction with the growing partnership and cooperation in various sectors, noting the recent elevation of their relationship to an ‘Enhanced Strategic Partnership’.
She stated, “India is committed to supporting the developmental priorities of Mauritius” and expressed optimism that the new Special Economic Package would address the needs of the Mauritian government and its people. Key projects include hospitals, road development, port enhancements, defense procurement, and joint surveillance, which are expected to improve infrastructure and positively impact citizens' lives in the coming years. Additionally, bilateral cooperation is expanding into new domains, including digital technologies and the space sector, as noted in a statement from the President's Secretariat.
Both leaders reaffirmed the uniqueness of their relationship, rooted in their shared history, culture, and values. The President expressed confidence that with Prime Minister Ramgoolam’s extensive leadership experience, the long-standing ties between India and Mauritius will continue to strengthen.
Prime Minister Ramgoolam also met with Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, focusing discussions on enhancing trade, economic, and people-to-people connections.
Earlier in the day, the Mauritius PM paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in New Delhi.
Upon his arrival in New Delhi on Monday night, Ramgoolam visited Rajghat to pay respects to Mahatma Gandhi and later honored former PM Vajpayee at Sadaiv Atal.
Before arriving in the capital, he participated in prayers at the Tirumala Temple in Tirupati alongside his wife.
On September 12, Ramgoolam, accompanied by his wife Veena Ramgoolam and a 30-member delegation, visited the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple, becoming the second Head of State after the Prime Minister of Bhutan to worship Ram Lalla at the grand temple.
The couple performed aarti and prayed before Ram Lalla, dedicating nearly half an hour in devotion, and observed the ongoing construction at the temple.
Ramgoolam also offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi last week, accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel.
Sharing images on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “PM Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam of Mauritius offered prayers at the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi, showcasing the profound cultural and civilizational ties that link India and Mauritius.”
On September 11, Ramgoolam also experienced the Ganga Aarti on the Varanasi ghats. Throughout his eight-day visit to India, he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 11, where both leaders reviewed all aspects of their bilateral cooperation.