Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Mauritius on Tuesday for a two-day State Visit, during which he will attend the country’s national day celebrations as the chief guest and hold discussions with top leaders. His visit, at the invitation of Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, is expected to strengthen bilateral ties through multiple agreements focused on capacity building, trade, and tackling cross-border financial crimes.
Strengthening India-Mauritius Ties
Ahead of his departure, PM Modi expressed confidence that the visit would usher in a “new and bright” chapter in India-Mauritius relations. During his stay, he will meet the president of Mauritius and engage with senior dignitaries and political leaders. Additionally, he will interact with the Indian community and inaugurate two major projects—the civil service college and an area health centre—both constructed with India’s grant assistance.
“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,” PM Modi stated before his departure. He also emphasized the deep mutual trust and shared democratic values that underpin the relationship between the two nations.
Indian Participation in National Day Celebrations
A contingent of the Indian armed forces will participate in the national day celebrations on Wednesday, alongside an Indian Navy warship and the Akash Ganga skydiving team of the Indian Air Force. PM Modi previously visited Mauritius in 2015, further cementing India’s role as a key partner in the island nation’s economic and strategic development.
Economic and Cultural Ties
India is one of Mauritius’ largest trading partners and has maintained strong economic ties with the country, which gained independence from British rule in 1968. A significant aspect of this close relationship is the demographic composition of Mauritius, where nearly 70% of its 1.2 million population is of Indian origin.
Chagos Islands Issue
The Chagos Islands dispute is expected to be a key topic of discussion during Modi’s meeting with PM Ramgoolam. India has reiterated its support for Mauritius in ongoing negotiations with the UK to reach a resolution over the sovereignty of the islands. In October last year, the UK announced its plan to transfer control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, ending over five decades of British rule.
Sources By Agencies