Modi Lands in Mauritius for Key State Visit
Port Louis – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Mauritius on Tuesday for a two-day state visit, marked by a formal ceremonial welcome. He is in the island nation to participate as the chief guest in their national day celebrations and to hold important discussions with Mauritius’s leading figures.
Upon landing, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who personally greeted him at the airport. Modi highlighted the visit as a valuable chance to deepen ties with a close ally and explore new opportunities for working together across various sectors.
During his stay, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to meet with both the President of Mauritius, Dharam Gokhool, and Prime Minister Ramgoolam. He will also address a community event later in the day.
The welcome at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport was elaborate, led by Prime Minister Ramgoolam who presented a garland to his Indian counterpart. A host of other top Mauritian officials were also present, including the Deputy Prime Minister, the Chief Justice, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Leader of the Opposition, the Foreign Minister, and numerous other dignitaries and council members – totaling around 200 prominent individuals.
The two nations are expected to sign several agreements during this visit. These agreements aim to enhance cooperation in areas such as skill development, trade, and combating financial crimes that cross borders.
Ahead of his trip, Prime Minister Modi stated that this visit marks the beginning of a promising new phase in the relationship between India and Mauritius. His itinerary includes meetings with top leaders and political figures in Mauritius. He is also set to engage with the Indian community residing there and to officially open a new civil service college and a local health center, both of which were constructed with financial assistance from India.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized his anticipation to work with Mauritian leadership to elevate their partnership in all areas, reinforcing their long-standing friendship for mutual progress and prosperity.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, a contingent from the Indian armed forces will take part in Mauritius’s national day parade on Wednesday. They will be joined by an Indian Navy warship and the Indian Air Force’s Akash Ganga skydiving team.
Prime Minister Modi underscored the close relationship between India and Mauritius, describing it as a vital maritime neighbor, a key partner in the Indian Ocean region, and a gateway to the African continent. He pointed to shared history, geography, and culture as strong bonds. He also noted that mutual trust, democratic values, and a celebration of diversity are core strengths of this relationship.
The Prime Minister recalled his last visit to Mauritius in 2015 and acknowledged the deep and historical connections between the people of both nations as a shared source of pride.
India is a significant trading partner for Mauritius, which gained independence in 1968 after being a former colony of both Britain and France. A significant factor in their close relationship is the large Indian diaspora in Mauritius, with people of Indian origin making up approximately 70% of the island’s 1.2 million population.
In related news prior to the visit, India has announced its support for Mauritius in seeking a beneficial agreement with the UK regarding the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean. This matter is likely to be discussed during Prime Minister Modi’s talks with Prime Minister Ramgoolam. Notably, the UK had previously announced its decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, marking a historic development after more than fifty years.
(With PTI Inputs)