Modi’s Visit: 5 Key Agreements to Boost India-Mauritius Relations

India and Mauritius are set to forge closer ties as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to visit the island nation. During his trip, several significant agreements will be signed, including Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) focused on trade and the promotion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In a show of goodwill, Prime Minister Modi will also inaugurate the Civil Service College and the regional Health Centre, both constructed with India’s generous financial assistance, as reported by Asian News International (ANI).

Scheduled for the 12th of March, Modi will honour Mauritius’s National Day celebrations as the esteemed guest of honour.

The festivities will be further enhanced by the participation of a contingent from the Indian Defence Forces and a ship from the Indian Navy.

In a special press briefing ahead of the visit, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri underscored Mauritius’s strategic importance as a close maritime neighbour and a key partner for India in the Indian Ocean region.

He remarked that the longstanding bilateral ties, steeped in shared history and culture, have fostered a robust relationship spanning centuries.

In 2015, Modi had previously outlined his Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) during his visit to Mauritius, reaffirming India’s commitment to the region.

“We have built a very strong developmental partnership with Mauritius.

We take great pride in being a preferred development partner, having initiated several economic projects and capacity-building initiatives.

India has also extended humanitarian assistance and provided support in enhancing Mauritius’s maritime and defence capabilities,” Misri stated.

He further noted that the past decade has seen a marked strengthening of relations, with the India-Mauritius partnership now forming a crucial pillar of the Vision SAGAR.

Following the November 2024 elections, a new government led by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam assumed office in Mauritius.

Modi became the first world leader to congratulate Ramgoolam on his electoral triumph.

Misri indicated that this visit will facilitate a pivotal first meeting between the two leaders.

“It comes at the beginning of Prime Minister Ramgoolam’s new term, coinciding with Prime Minister Modi’s third mandate.

This visit is thus timely, enabling both countries to review their bilateral relations and chart a course for cooperation in the months and years ahead.”

Additionally, Misri mentioned that the Indian Air Force parachuting team, Aakash Ganga, will also partake in the National Day ceremonies.

Prime Minister Modi is expected to arrive in Port-Louis on the 11th of March.

His itinerary will include a visit to the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden to pay tribute to former Prime Minister Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam and former Prime Minister and President Sir Anerood Jugnauth.

He will also have an audience with the new President of Mauritius, Dharam Gokhool, followed by bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Ramgoolam and other Mauritian political leaders.

“Together, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Ramgoolam will inaugurate several projects developed with Indian support and witness the signing of several MoUs centred on skill development, bilateral trade, combating cross-border financial crimes, and promoting SMEs,” Misri said.

Furthermore, Modi will engage with members of the Indian community, friends of India, and sociocultural organisations during his visit to Mauritius.

Source: Defi Media