Modi hails Mauritius visit as “Wonderful opportunity to engage with valued friend”

By Anjali Sharma

WASHINGTON – India Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described his two-day visit to Mauritius as a “wonderful opportunity” to engage with a valued ally and strengthen bilateral ties as he arrived in Port Louis

PM Modi posted on X “Landed in Mauritius. I am grateful to my friend, PM Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, for the special gesture of welcoming me at the airport. This visit is a wonderful opportunity to engage with a valued friend and explore new avenues for collaboration in various sectors.”

He added that he would be meeting Mauritius President Dharam Gokhool, Prime Minister Ramgoolam, and addressing a community event later in the evening.

Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome.

Mauritian Prime Minister Ramgoolam, Deputy PM Paul Berenger, Chief Justice Rehana Mungly-Gulbul, and several senior officials, including Speaker of the National Assembly Shirin Aumeeruddy-Cziffra and Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful were present to greet him.

The gathering of 200 dignitaries, including MPs, MLAs, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and religious leaders, extended their welcome to the Prime Minister.

He added to the spirited reception, members of the Indian diaspora gathered outside the Oberoi Hotel in Port Louis, welcomed PM Modi with ‘Dhols’ and garlands.

Modi will participate as the Chief Guest at Mauritius’ National Day celebrations on March 12, after an invitation from Prime Minister Ramgoolam.

The visit marks PM Modi’s first trip to Mauritius since 2015, when he introduced India’s Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), emphasized regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean.

Modi’s schedule includes a meeting with President Dharam Gokhool, discussions with Prime Minister Ramgoolam, and interactions with leaders from various political parties.

He met with members of the Indian-origin community, which plays a significant role in Mauritius’ cultural and social landscape.

Modi will inaugurate two key projects — the Civil Service College and the Area Health Centre — both built with Indian grant assistance, showcasing India’s continued support for Mauritius’ development.

Several Memorandums of Understanding are expected to be signed during the visit, focusing on areas such as maritime security, healthcare, small and medium enterprises, trade, and capacity building. The visit aligns with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, aimed at fostering stronger ties with regional partners.

A significant highlight of the National Day celebrations will be the participation of Indian Defence forces. An Indian Navy contingent, along with an Indian Navy ship, will take part in the event.

Indian Navy helicopter, the Akash Ganga Skydiving Team from the Indian Air Force, and a group of NCC cadets will showcase their skills during the celebrations.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that India and Mauritius will sign a technical agreement for sharing white-shipping information between the Indian Navy and Mauritian authorities.

This initiative is expected to enhance Mauritius’ maritime security, improve trade corridor surveillance, and facilitate regional cooperation for real-time data sharing.

Foreign Secretary Misri stated that PM Modi and PM Ramgoolam will jointly inaugurate several India-supported projects and witness the signing of MoUs related to capacity building, bilateral trade, combating cross-border financial crimes, and promoting small and medium enterprises.

India-Mauritius ties have witnessed consistent high-level engagement in recent years. President Droupadi Murmu was the Chief Guest at Mauritius’ National Day celebrations in 2024, while Mauritius participated in PM Modi’s swearing-in ceremonies in 2014, 2019, and 2024.

Mauritius was a special invitee at the G20 Summit in 2023 and co-launched the Global Biofuels Alliance alongside India and other nations.

The high-level diplomatic engagement between India and Mauritius has remained consistent in recent years.

India President Murmu had graced Mauritius’ National Day celebrations in 2024 as the Chief Guest, while Mauritius has been a notable participant in PM Modi’s swearing-in ceremonies in 2014, 2019, and 2024.

The visit not only reinforces the strong historical ties between the two nations but also marks a new chapter in their strategic partnership, with fresh collaborations set to enhance development and security in the region.