Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam of Mauritius on Thursday witnessed the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, experiencing what he described as a sacred connect with the Holy Ganga.
In a post on X, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the significance of the moment, stating, “Experiencing the sacred connect with the Holy Ganga. PM @Ramgoolam_Dr of Mauritius witnessed Ganga Aarti at Varanasi today. This spiritual experience symbolises the timeless bonds of faith and tradition that bind India and Mauritius.”
The spiritual experience coincided with official engagements, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Mauritian counterpart in Varanasi. Ramgoolam is on his first overseas bilateral visit to India in his current term, from September 9–16, underscoring both cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
The two leaders exchanged greetings, reflecting the warmth and strength of the India–Mauritius relationship. Earlier in the day, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called on PM Ramgoolam in Varanasi.
Sharing details on X, the MEA Spokesperson said they discussed the multifaceted partnership and reaffirmed commitment to strengthening the India–Mauritius Enhanced Strategic Partnership anchored in shared history, culture, and people-to-people ties.
PM Ramgoolam had earlier visited India in May 2014 as the only non-SAARC leader invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
He arrived in Kashi on September 9 and was accorded a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour, received by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel.
The meeting in Varanasi underscored the enduring civilisational connect, spiritual bonds, and deep-rooted people-to-people ties shaping the unique relationship between the two countries.
During bilateral discussions, both leaders reviewed the full spectrum of cooperation, with particular focus on development partnership and capacity building. They also explored opportunities for collaboration in health, education, science and technology, energy, infrastructure, as well as in emerging domains such as renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, and the blue economy.
The visit builds upon the momentum of PM Modi’s State Visit to Mauritius in March 2025, during which the relationship was elevated to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership.
As a close maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region, Mauritius remains central to India’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region) vision and Neighbourhood First policy.
-ANI
