Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Mauritius for a two-day state visit, invited by PM Ramgoolam to participate in the nation’s 57th national day celebrations. Key agenda items include signing agreements on capacity building, trade, and financial crime. Modi aims to deepen bilateral ties, inaugurate new health services, and engage with local leaders and the Indian community, reinforcing historical connections and mutual trust.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commenced a two-day state visit to Mauritius, arriving in Port Louis to participate in the island’s 57th national day celebrations as the guest of honour. At the airport, he received a warm welcome from Mauritius’ Prime Minister, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who had extended the invitation for this visit.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to meet with top Mauritian leaders and finalize several agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation in capacity building, trade, and combating cross-border financial crimes. The Indian armed forces will actively participate in the national day celebrations, joined by a naval warship and the Akash Ganga skydiving team from the Indian Air Force.
In a statement before his departure, Prime Minister Modi expressed his anticipation that this visit would herald a “new and bright” chapter in Indo-Mauritian relations. He emphasized the deep historical ties and commitment to shared democratic values between the nations. Modi noted that Mauritius serves as a vital partner within the Indian Ocean and acts as a gateway to Africa, celebrating the mutual trust and democratic values shared by the two nations.
Throughout his stay, Prime Minister Modi will engage with the Mauritius President, meet with senior political leaders, and interact with the Indian community. Additionally, he is expected to inaugurate a civil service college and an area health center sponsored by Indian financial assistance.
The visit will also include a technical agreement signed between the Indian Navy and Mauritius, focusing on the exchange of information regarding white shipping. Further agreements on capacity building, trade relations, tackling financial crimes, and support for small and medium enterprises will be signed. Additionally, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance cooperation in maritime zone management and ocean research will be established.
India, maintaining a solid trading partnership with Mauritius, has deepened ties significantly due to the substantial Indian-origin population comprising nearly 70% of Mauritius’s 1.2 million residents. Prior agreements have been established to address issues such as the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, with Modi’s discussions likely to incorporate this matter in light of India’s support for Mauritius in its negotiations with the UK concerning the islands’ status.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius signifies a continued commitment to enhancing bilateral relations marked by shared history and cultural ties. With key agreements and cooperation strategies to be established during this trip, both nations aim to elevate their partnership in various sectors, ensuring mutual progress and prosperity. This venture encapsulates the importance of India-Mauritius relations within the broader context of regional dynamics and cooperative frameworks.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
