Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Mauritius on March 11-12 to engage in national day celebrations and strengthen bilateral ties. He aims to elevate India-Mauritius partnership in various sectors, with a focus on security, development, and economic collaboration. The visit underscores the close maritime relationship and substantial cooperation established over the years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced a two-day visit to Mauritius on March 11 and 12, 2023, at the invitation of Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, to participate in the island nation’s national day celebrations. He expressed optimism that the visit would signify the beginning of a “new and bright” chapter in India-Mauritius relations.
In his departure statement, Prime Minister Modi emphasized his eagerness to engage with Mauritius leadership and elevate the bilateral partnership across various sectors. He highlighted the enduring friendship between the two nations as vital for their collective progress and prosperity.
A contingent from the Indian armed forces, including a Navy warship and the Akash Ganga skydiving team of the Indian Air Force, will partake in the celebrations. Modi stated, “Mauritius is a close maritime neighbour, a key partner in the Indian Ocean, and a gateway to the African Continent,” reinforcing the historical and cultural connections shared by both nations.
He underscored the importance of mutual trust, democratic values, and cultural diversity as strengths in their relationship. Modi asserted that the deep-rooted people-to-people connections serve as a source of shared pride, and he is confident that the visit will fortify existing ties.
Acknowledging the significant progress made over the past ten years, the Prime Minister noted that people-centric initiatives had strengthened relations. He looks forward to discussions aimed at enhancing partnership, particularly in security and development in the Indian Ocean Region, in line with India’s vision of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region).
India and Mauritius boast strong cooperation in maritime security, development, and capacity-building, supported by mutual people-to-people ties. The collaboration is evidenced by numerous India-assisted development projects in Mauritius, highlighting India’s status as one of Mauritius’s largest trading partners.
Furthermore, Mauritius emerged as the second-largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India for the fiscal year 2023-24, following Singapore. Additionally, the two countries signed a comprehensive economic cooperation and partnership agreement (CECPA) in February 2021, marking a significant milestone in their economic relations as the first trade agreement India signed with an African nation.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to Mauritius is poised to strengthen bilateral relations and pave the way for collaborative development. By engaging with Mauritius leadership and showcasing India’s commitment to mutual growth and security, this visit is anticipated to enhance the partnership encompassing various sectors. The historical connections, coupled with recent economic agreements and cooperative projects, further reaffirm the significance of India-Mauritius ties in the regional context.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
