Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commenced a two-day visit to Mauritius as the chief guest for the national day celebrations. His agenda includes signing agreements to bolster cooperation between India and Mauritius, meetings with key leaders, and community engagement, while emphasizing the longstanding historical and cultural ties between the two nations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Mauritius for a two-day State Visit, where he will serve as the chief guest at the national day celebrations. This visit, initiated by the invitation of Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, aims to strengthen India-Mauritius relations through the signing of various agreements in capacity building and trade, alongside efforts to combat cross-border financial crimes.
Modi’s itinerary includes meetings with the president and senior leaders of Mauritius, as well as engaging with the Indian community. He is also set to inaugurate essential projects funded by India, including a civil service college and a health centre. In his preliminary remarks, Modi expressed hope for discussions that will enhance collaboration and mutual prosperity for both nations.
A display of military cooperation will occur during the national celebrations, with participation from the Indian Armed Forces, including an Indian Navy warship and the Akash Ganga skydiving team. Modi emphasized the significance of Mauritius as a maritime neighbor and a gateway to Africa, which is underpinned by shared history and cultural ties.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the enduring relationship between India and Mauritius, bolstered by a demographic connection, as approximately 70 percent of Mauritius’s population is of Indian descent. The talks will also address the pivotal Chagos Islands issue, with India expressing support for Mauritius in its negotiations with the UK regarding sovereignty over these islands. The previous notable visit by Modi to Mauritius in 2015 underscored the depth of bilateral relations, which remain robust despite Mauritius’s colonial past.
India’s involvement and assistance to Mauritius demonstrate a commitment to fostering closer ties and mutual cooperation in various domains, signaling a promising future for collaboration between the two nations.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Mauritius not only highlights the significance of India-Mauritius relations, but it also sets the stage for enhanced cooperation in trade, capacity building, and cultural exchanges. With critical discussions on the Chagos Islands and planned inaugurations of key projects, this visit signals a commitment to mutual growth and strengthening ties between the two nations.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
