 "PM Modi emplanes for Mauritius for National Day celebrations, to inaugurate over 20 India-funded projects. Image/X/ @MEAIndia")
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-day state visit to Mauritius on March 11 and 12 at the invitation of Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, primarily to take part in the national day celebrations of Mauritius.
On Monday, Modi emphasised that the visit would open a “new and bright” chapter in the ties between the two nations.
Modi left for the island nation shortly after midnight.
In his departure statement, the prime minister said he was looking forward to engaging with the leadership of Mauritius to elevate “our partnership in all its facets and strengthen our enduring friendship for the progress and prosperity of our peoples.”
A contingent of the Indian armed forces will participate in the celebrations, along with a warship of the Indian Navy and the Akash Ganga skydiving team of the Indian Air Force.
“Mauritius is a close maritime neighbour, a key partner in the Indian Ocean, and a gateway to the African continent. We are connected by history, geography, and culture,” Modi said.
Emphasising deep mutual trust, Modi said, “A shared belief in the values of democracy and the celebration of both nations’ diversity are our strengths.”
The prime minister noted that the close and historical people-to-people connection between the two sides is a source of shared pride.
“I am confident that this visit will build on the foundations of the past and open a new and bright chapter in the India-Mauritius relationship,” he said.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsSignificant strides made in past 10 years
The prime minister highlighted that “significant strides” have been made over the past 10 years between the two sides through people-centric initiatives.
“I look forward to the opportunity to engage with the Mauritius leadership to elevate our partnership in all its facets and strengthen our enduring friendship for the progress and prosperity of our peoples, as well as for security and development in the Indian Ocean region, as part of our vision SAGAR,” Modi said.
SAGAR stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region.
The national day celebrations of Mauritius will be held on March 12, with Modi set to participate as the guest of honour.
PM Modi to inaugurate over 20 India-funded projects in Mauritius
PM Modi will inaugurate over 20 India-funded projects, ranging from capacity building to community-linked infrastructure, during his two-day state visit, news agency PTI reported citing officials.
Modi and Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam will jointly inaugurate the Civil Services College building, which was built at a cost of around USD 4.75 million. The project was initiated through an MoU signed in 2017.
Strong ties, close people-to-people connections
India and Mauritius share strong ties in maritime security, development, and capacity-building, along with close people-to-people connections.
India has supported several development projects in Mauritius, reflecting their deep cooperation.
India is one of Mauritius’ largest trading partners, while Mauritius was the second-largest source of FDI into India in 2023-24, after Singapore.
In February 2021, both countries signed the CECPA, India’s first trade agreement with an African nation, following nearly 15 years of negotiations.