India’s Foreign Minister’s Visit: Satellite Project Collaboration Discussions

India’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, had a packed schedule as soon as he arrived at Mauritius’ Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. He met with the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Jugnauth, to discuss bilateral relations and ongoing projects funded by the Indian government.

The discussions covered various aspects, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.

After the meeting, they proceeded to the National Assembly to virtually inaugurate 12 community development projects.

These projects including the construction of football grounds in various regions of the island and the opening of a medical center in Grand-Bois, which is set to take place later in the day.

In his speech, Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth emphasized the importance of bilateral relations between India and Mauritius, which will help Mauritius in its educational programs, such as the Mauritius Institute of Education and the digitization of Indian immigration archives at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute.

He also mentioned a document exchanged between the Indian Space Research Organisation and the Mauritian Council for Science and Technology regarding the Indo-Mauritian satellite project.

A protocol has already been signed to establish a framework for cooperation.

“The cooperation between our two countries is vast and multi-dimensional,” said Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth.

“It encompasses technical and financial assistance, infrastructure development, defense and security, as well as economic and commercial cooperation.

Our partnership has now moved beyond traditional sectors and covers all aspects of state-to-state relations.”

He also mentioned that thanks to Indian government support, more than 96 projects have been completed or will be completed soon.

Some of these projects include the establishment of an Ayush excellence center in Mauritius, replacing water conduits across the island, providing 100 electric buses, and finalizing a credit line for the acquisition of 100 more buses.

On his part, Foreign Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar highlighted the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

“Our relationship has blossomed into a solid and multi-faceted partnership serving as a model for successful international cooperation in development,” he said.

The minister expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration between India and Mauritius, saying it was a “great pleasure” to hand over a payment of Rs 1.3 million for royalties generated by the sale of Mauritian nautical charts produced by their joint hydrographic service.

This maritime cooperation has been in place for nearly two decades and has added value to their cooperation.

The minister concluded by stating that India remains committed to strengthening this crucial partnership for the future of the Indian Ocean region and will continue to support Mauritius in its quest for sovereignty over the Chagos Islands.

Tribute to Historical Figures

Like President Droupadi Murmu during her visit in March, Foreign Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar paid homage to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam and Sir Anerood Jugnauth at Pamplemousses in the evening.

With humility, he took a few minutes to reflect before exchanging words with officials from the Jardin de Pamplemousses and ministers present around a cup of tea.

Civil Service College Visit

Although his visit to the Civil Service College was brief, Foreign Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar asked if the cost incurred in building this structure had been respected.

He was assured that it had been. The project, for which Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth received a grant of $4.7 million from the Indian government in 2017, was attributed in December 2021.

The works were supposed to be completed last year but are now finished except for furnishing the building, which includes an auditorium and university block.

Source: l’Express