Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Mauritius for a two-day State Visit, during which he will participate in National Day celebrations, meet with national leaders, and inaugurate two India-funded projects. The visit aims to enhance cooperation in several sectors and address significant diplomatic topics, including the Chagos Islands dispute with the UK.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Mauritius for a two-day State Visit. During this visit, he is set to participate in the National Day celebrations as the chief guest and engage with the nation’s leadership. The visit aims to enhance cooperation between the two countries, specifically in areas such as capacity building, trade, and the fight against cross-border financial crimes.
Invited by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, PM Modi expressed optimism that this visit would usher in a “new and bright” chapter in India-Mauritius relations. His itinerary includes meetings with the Mauritian president, discussions with Prime Minister Ramgoolam, and dialogues with senior officials and political leaders.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi will connect with the Indian diaspora and inaugurate two significant projects funded by India: the Civil Service College and the Area Health Centre. He remarked, “I look forward to engaging with the leadership of Mauritius to elevate our partnership in all its facets and strengthen our enduring friendship for the progress and prosperity of our peoples.”
An Indian armed forces contingent will participate in the celebrations, complemented by an Indian Navy warship and the Akash Ganga skydiving team from the Indian Air Force. Modi emphasized the strong ties between India and Mauritius, describing the island nation as a crucial maritime neighbor and a gateway to Africa, connected by history, geography, and culture.
Highlighting shared values, Modi stated, “Deep mutual trust, a shared belief in the values of democracy, and celebration of our diversity are our strengths.” He underscored the longstanding people-to-people relationships as a shared source of pride, noting that his last visit to the island occurred in 2015. India is a significant trading partner for Mauritius, which has a large Indian-origin population.
Prior to Modi’s visit, India reiterated its support for Mauritius concerning the Chagos Islands dispute with the UK, a topic anticipated to arise in discussions with Prime Minister Ramgoolam. Notably, the UK has agreed to transfer sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius after decades of contention under a historic agreement.
In summary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Mauritius is characterized by significant diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. The visit encompasses participation in National Day celebrations, discussions to enhance cooperation across various sectors, and support for Mauritius in pivotal territorial negotiations. The reaffirmation of shared cultural and historical ties signifies the enduring partnership between India and Mauritius, indicating potential for future collaboration.
Original Source: www.onmanorama.com
