Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius will focus on agreements regarding maritime security, financial crime prevention, and civil service training. The visit aims to enhance bilateral relations and is part of the 57th National Day celebrations, highlighting the shared history and mutual interests of the two nations.
On the eve of his two-day state visit to Mauritius commencing on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the significance of Mauritius as a “close maritime neighbour” and an essential partner in the Indian Ocean. The visit aims to formalize agreements focusing on maritime security, the fight against financial crimes, and the training of Mauritian civil servants.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his intentions, highlighting his invitation from Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam to participate in Mauritius’s 57th National Day celebrations. This visit marks his second to the island nation, having previously attended the National Day festivities in 2015. He characterized Mauritius as interconnected to India through history, culture, and shared democratic values.
An Indian Naval Ship is slated to dock in Port Louis in conjunction with the National Day celebrations. The Indian Navy will partake in the events alongside the Akash Ganga Skydiving Team from the Indian Air Force and a marching contingent of NCC cadets. This display emphasizes the commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through cooperative activities.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri noted that following the recent elections in Mauritius, the visit presents an opportunity for early engagement between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Ramgoolam, allowing both leaders to assess and realign their diplomatic relations effectively. Modi’s visit coincides with Ramgoolam’s new administration, underlining a significant phase in both leaders’ tenures.
Upon arrival in Port Louis, Prime Minister Modi plans to visit the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden to honor significant Mauritian leaders. His schedule includes meeting with President Dharambeer Gokhool, followed by bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Ramgoolam and other political leaders, fostering collaborative action in various sectors.
Expected outcomes of the visit include the inauguration of Indian-assisted projects and the signing of multiple memoranda of understanding in key areas such as capacity building, trade, and combating financial crimes. Engagements with the Indian community and socio-cultural organizations in Mauritius will enrich the diplomatic dialogue further during the visit.
Discussions regarding the potential agreements include a technical pact for sharing white-shipping information between the Indian Navy and Mauritian authorities to enhance maritime security and combat illegal activities. Additionally, an MoU between the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services and Mauritius’s Ministry of Earth Sciences will establish a framework for cooperative ocean management.
On the financial crime front, a proposed MoU will facilitate collaboration between the Enforcement Directorate of India and Mauritius’s Financial Crimes Commission, focusing on anti-corruption and money laundering intelligence and methodologies. Furthermore, a training agreement is set to be signed for the development of 500 Mauritian civil servants at India’s National Center for Good Governance over five years, enhancing administrative capacity and governance.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Mauritius underscores the importance of strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. Through discussions centered on maritime security, combating financial crimes, and enhancing training for civil servants, both countries aim to bolster their collaborative efforts in areas vital for regional stability and development. This state visit not only marks a celebration of historical ties but also paves the way for future cooperation and growth.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
