Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Mauritius on a two-day State visit to attend the National Day celebrations on March 12 as the Chief Guest. The visit aims to strengthen India-Mauritius ties, as emphasized by the Ministry of External Affairs. Modi expressed eagerness to engage with Mauritian leaders to enhance bilateral relations and security in the Indian Ocean region. He will also meet with political dignitaries, interact with the Indian-origin community, and inaugurate projects funded by India’s assistance. The visit is expected to lead to significant agreements in areas like maritime security and capacity building, reinforcing the special relationship between the two nations.
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi set off for Mauritius late Monday evening for a two-day State visit, where he will be the Chief Guest at the National Day celebrations on March 12.
The Ministry of External Affairs indicated that this visit aims to reinforce “India-Mauritius enduring ties.”
“PM @narendramodi has begun a 2-day State visit to Port Louis, Mauritius, to enhance India-Mauritius enduring ties! He will be the Chief Guest at the National Day Celebrations in Mauritius and will also engage with Mauritius’ leaders and dignitaries,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared in a post on X.
In a statement before his departure on Monday, PM Modi expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Mauritian leadership during his visit to further bilateral partnerships and strengthen connections for security and development in the Indian Ocean Region.
He characterized Mauritius as a “close maritime neighbor, a key partner in the Indian Ocean, and a gateway to Africa.”
“At the invitation of my friend, Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, I am commencing a two-day State Visit to Mauritius to partake in the celebrations for the 57th National Day of Mauritius. Our bond is deeply rooted in history, geography, and culture. A strong mutual trust, a shared commitment to democratic values, and the celebration of our diversity are our greatest strengths,” he remarked.
“The historical people-to-people connections between us are a source of immense pride. Over the past decade, we have accomplished substantial progress through people-centered initiatives,” he continued.
He expressed confidence that this visit would build on past achievements and herald a new and promising chapter in the India-Mauritius relationship.
“I eagerly anticipate engaging with Mauritian leadership to enhance our collaboration in all aspects and strengthen our enduring friendship for the benefit and prosperity of our peoples, as well as for security and development in the Indian Ocean Region, aligning with our Vision SAGAR,” he stated.
PM Modi is visiting Mauritius at the invitation of his Mauritian counterpart, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, and will serve as the Chief Guest at the National Day celebrations on March 12. A press release from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that a contingent of Indian Defence Forces and an Indian Navy ship will participate in the festivities. Modi last visited Mauritius in 2015.
While in Mauritius, PM Modi will meet with the President, Prime Minister, and senior dignitaries, as well as leaders of various political parties.
He will also connect with members of the Indian-origin community and inaugurate the Civil Service College and the Area Health Centre, both funded by India’s grant assistance, as noted in the MEA press release. Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed during the visit.
“India and Mauritius share a close and unique relationship based on historical, cultural, and people-to-people connections. Moreover, Mauritius plays a key role in India’s Vision SAGAR—Security and Growth for All in the Region,” the MEA statement mentioned.
“This visit will reaffirm the strong and lasting bond between India and Mauritius and strengthen our mutual commitment to enhancing the bilateral relationship across all sectors,” it added.
Previously, Indian High Commissioner to Mauritius, Anurag Srivastava, described the relationship as “truly special” and conveyed expectations of agreements in maritime security and capacity building.
“This is indeed a special relationship, which has flourished into a robust and multifaceted partnership. This partnership encompasses areas such as maritime security cooperation, development assistance, capacity building, health and education, among others,” Srivastava told ANI.
“In discussions between the two Prime Ministers, we expect significant agreements and announcements to follow these meetings, particularly in maritime security and capacity building,” he added.
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