Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Mauritius for a two-day state visit to celebrate the national day and engage with the country’s leadership. During his visit, he will sign several agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation, interact with the Indian community, and inaugurate projects funded by India. Key discussions will also include the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, a significant issue between Mauritius and the U.K.
On March 11, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Mauritius, receiving a grand ceremonial welcome as he prepares to participate in the country’s national day celebrations as the chief guest. His visit entails engaging with Mauritius’ leadership and exploring various avenues for collaboration ahead of signing several pacts to enhance cooperation in key areas.
PM Modi expressed gratitude for the warm welcome from PM Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam via a post on social media. He highlighted the significance of this visit in strengthening bilateral ties and remarked on the mutual opportunities for both nations. The official reception included dignitaries like the deputy prime minister, chief justice, and members from various political and civic sectors, totaling around 200 invitees.
The visit focuses on signing agreements in capacity building, trade, and combating cross-border financial crimes. PM Modi aims to meet key figures including the president of Mauritius, engaging with political leaders as well as the Indian community that constitutes a significant part of the island’s populace. Additionally, he plans to inaugurate projects financed by Indian grants, such as the civil service college and the area health centre.
Highlighting the shared historical and cultural ties, PM Modi described Mauritius as a crucial maritime neighbor and emphasized the deep trust and values that bind the two countries. This visit marks a renewed commitment to enhancing the partnership for mutual progress. PM Modi’s last visit to Mauritius occurred in 2015.
As a major trading partner of Mauritius, India’s relationship is significantly influenced by the demographic reality of Indian-origin individuals making up nearly 70% of the island’s population. Discussions regarding the Chagos Islands are expected to be part of PM Modi’s talks with Prime Minister Ramgoolam, following a recent declaration of intent by the U.K. to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius marks a pivotal moment in strengthening bilateral relations through collaborative agreements and mutual engagement. The visit reflects the enduring friendship between the nations, enriched by shared history and culture. The anticipated discussions on the Chagos Islands sovereignty issue further underscore the significance of this engagement, which aims to foster long-term prosperity for both India and Mauritius.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
