Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Mauritius on March 11-12 for National Day celebrations, marking a significant opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties. During the visit, he will inaugurate projects, sign MOUs, and interact with the Indian community. The two nations aim to assess and enhance their relationship through trade, cultural initiatives, and strategic cooperation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forthcoming visit to Mauritius on March 11-12, where he will serve as Chief Guest at the National Day celebrations, is regarded as timely, as stated by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. This visit will provide an opportunity for both nations to assess their bilateral relationship and to formulate future engagement strategies.
During this visit, Prime Minister Modi and Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam will jointly inaugurate several projects facilitated by Indian support. They will also oversee the signing of multiple memoranda of understanding addressing capacity building, bilateral trade, measures against cross-border financial crimes, and the promotion of small and medium enterprises.
The Prime Minister is set to engage with the Indian community and various socio-cultural organizations in Mauritius. Additionally, an Indian naval ship will be stationed at Mauritius for the March 12 events, alongside the participation of the Indian Air Force’s Aakash Ganga skydiving team.
Upon his arrival in Port Louis on March 11, Prime Minister Modi will receive a ceremonial welcome. He will pay tribute at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, honoring the founding father of Mauritius and another key political figure of the nation.
Prime Minister Modi will meet with Mauritius’ new President, Dharambeer Gokhool, and engage in bilateral discussions with PM Ramgoolam and other political leaders during his stay. This visit follows a previous agreement made in 2015 regarding the improvement of facilities at Agal ga Island to enhance connectivity. Foreign Secretary Misri highlighted the significance of these developments in response to a recent cyclone that affected the region.
Mauritius’ Prime Minister Ramgoolam has indicated that Modi’s visit is a “singular privilege” demonstrating the strong ties between the two nations. Modi will also serve as Guest of Honour during the flag-raising ceremony on March 12, where local cultural performances will take place.
This visit marks PM Modi’s second appearance as Chief Guest at Mauritius’s National Day celebrations, following his visit in 2015, which resulted in significant agreements including those related to Agalega Island. The enduring friendship fosters strategic cooperation and community ties, with Indian-origin people making up nearly 70% of the Mauritian population.
India’s influence in Mauritius is substantial, illustrated by the establishment of cultural institutions like the Mahatma Gandhi Institute and the World Hindi Secretariat. India ranks among Mauritius’s largest trade partners and has benefited from substantial foreign direct investment from the island, highlighting the economic bonds between the nations. India recently signed the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement with Mauritius, further invigorating this partnership after extensive negotiations. Currently, 11 Indian public sector undertakings operate in Mauritius, indicating robust economic collaboration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius is poised to reinforce the countries’ bilateral relations, opening doors for significant projects and cooperative agreements. During this critical engagement, areas such as trade, capacity building, and cultural collaboration are set to be prioritized. The strong historical and economic ties, along with the shared cultural heritage, further affirm the commitment of both nations to enhance their partnership.
Original Source: www.dailyexcelsior.com
