Prime Minister Narendra Modi described his two-day visit to Mauritius as a “wonderful opportunity” to engage with a valued partner and explore new avenues for cooperation. He arrived in Port Louis on Tuesday to a warm and ceremonial welcome.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Landed in Mauritius. I am grateful to my friend, PM Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, for the special gesture of welcoming me at the airport. This visit is a wonderful opportunity to engage with a valued friend and explore new avenues for collaboration in various sectors.”
Upon arrival at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, PM Modi was greeted with a ceremonial welcome. Prime Minister Ramgoolam was joined by Deputy PM Paul Berenger, Chief Justice Rehana Mungly-Gulbul, Speaker of the National Assembly Shirin Aumeeruddy-Cziffra, Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful, and other senior officials. A gathering of 200 dignitaries, including MPs, MLAs, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and religious leaders, also extended their welcome to the Indian Prime Minister.
During his visit, PM Modi will participate as the Chief Guest at Mauritius’ National Day celebrations on March 12, following an invitation from PM Ramgoolam. This marks his first visit to Mauritius since 2015, when he introduced India’s Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), aimed at enhancing regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean.
His itinerary includes a meeting with Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool, discussions with PM Ramgoolam, and engagements with leaders from various political parties. Additionally, he will interact with members of the Indian-origin community, which plays a vital role in Mauritius’ social and cultural landscape.
As part of India’s ongoing support for Mauritius’ development, PM Modi will inaugurate two key projects—the Civil Service College and the Area Health Centre—both built with Indian grant assistance. Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are also expected to be signed, focusing on areas such as maritime security, healthcare, small and medium enterprises, trade, and capacity building.
India’s Strategic Partnership with Mauritius
A key highlight of the National Day celebrations will be the participation of the Indian Armed Forces. An Indian Navy contingent and an Indian Navy ship will be part of the event. Additionally, an Indian Navy helicopter, the Akash Ganga Skydiving Team from the Indian Air Force, and a group of NCC cadets will showcase their skills.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that India and Mauritius will sign a technical agreement for sharing white-shipping information between the Indian Navy and Mauritian authorities. This initiative is expected to enhance Mauritius’ maritime security, strengthen surveillance along trade corridors, and facilitate regional cooperation through real-time data sharing.
Misri further stated that PM Modi and PM Ramgoolam will jointly inaugurate several India-supported projects and oversee the signing of MoUs in key areas such as capacity building, bilateral trade, combating cross-border financial crimes, and promoting small and medium enterprises.
India-Mauritius ties have seen consistent high-level engagement in recent years. President Droupadi Murmu was the Chief Guest at Mauritius’ National Day celebrations in 2024, and Mauritius has participated in PM Modi’s swearing-in ceremonies in 2014, 2019, and 2024. The island nation was also a special invitee at the G20 Summit in 2023 and co-launched the Global Biofuels Alliance alongside India and other nations.
–IANS
