PM Modi in Mauritius for 2-day visit, Receives Grand Welcome

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received an elaborate welcome in Mauritius as he commenced his two-day state visit. He was invited as the chief guest for the island nation’s 57th National Day celebrations and is set to engage in high-level discussions with its leadership.

PM Modi In Mauritius For 2-Day Visit

A Grand Reception for PM Modi in Mauritius

Despite the early hours, Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam personally welcomed PM Modi with a ceremonial garland. Several top dignitaries, including:

Deputy Prime Minister
Chief Justice of Mauritius
Speaker of the National Assembly
Leader of the Opposition
Foreign Minister
Cabinet Secretary
Chairperson of the Grand Port District Council
Members of Parliament, Diplomatic Corps, and religious leaders

A total of 200 dignitaries, comprising MPs, MLAs, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and religious leaders, gathered to extend their greetings to the Indian leader, underscoring the significance of his visit.

Strategic Agreements to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

PM Modi's visit will focus on enhancing cooperation in:

Capacity building – Strengthening institutions and governance
Trade – Facilitating economic growth between the two nations
Cross-border financial crime prevention – Joint efforts to tackle illicit activities

Before his departure, PM Modi expressed confidence that the trip would usher in a “new and bright” phase in India-Mauritius relations.

PM Modi In Mauritius For 2-Day Visit

Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Agenda in Mauritius

1. Participation in National Day Celebrations

PM Modi will attend Mauritius’ 57th National Day celebrations as the chief guest. A contingent of the Indian Armed Forces, an Indian Navy warship, and the Akash Ganga skydiving team from the Indian Air Force will also participate in the grand event.

2. Strengthening Bilateral Ties

India and Mauritius will sign several agreements to bolster cooperation in:

Maritime security and information exchange: A technical agreement on white shipping information exchange will be signed between the Indian Navy and Mauritius authorities.
Trade and economy: MoUs will be signed to support small and medium enterprises and enhance bilateral trade.
Financial crime prevention: India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) will collaborate with Mauritius’ Financial Crime Commission to combat money laundering and other financial crimes.

3. Maritime and Ocean Research Collaboration

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services will collaborate with the Mauritius Prime Minister's Office to establish a framework for cooperation in maritime zone management, ocean observation, and research.

4. Previous Visits & Historical Ties

This marks PM Modi’s third visit to Mauritius, following his trips in 1998 and 2015. His 2015 visit was particularly significant, as he introduced the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative, a key maritime cooperation doctrine.

India and Mauritius share deep-rooted cultural and historical ties, with Indian-origin people comprising nearly 70% of Mauritius’ 1.2 million population. India remains one of the island nation's largest trading partners.

5. Discussions on Chagos Islands Issue

Ahead of PM Modi’s visit, India reaffirmed its support for Mauritius in its discussions with the UK over the Chagos Islands' sovereignty. The topic is expected to be part of the bilateral talks between PM Modi and PM Ramgoolam.

In October 2023, the UK announced its historic decision to return sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after more than five decades. This issue remains a key diplomatic concern for the island nation.

6. Strengthening Bilateral Relations

PM Modi’s visit to Mauritius comes at the invitation of Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam and aims to reinforce bilateral ties. Several agreements will be signed to enhance cooperation in:

Capacity building
Trade and commerce
Combating cross-border financial crimes

Before his departure, PM Modi expressed optimism about the trip, stating that it would usher in a "new and bright" chapter in India-Mauritius relations.

During his stay, he will engage in high-level discussions with Mauritius’ President and Prime Minister, as well as other senior officials and political leaders. Additionally, he will interact with the Indian community and inaugurate two key projects—the Civil Service College and the Area Health Centre—both constructed with India’s financial assistance.

7. PM Modi to Inaugurate India-Funded Projects

As part of his visit, PM Modi will inaugurate over 20 India-backed projects, ranging from capacity-building initiatives to community infrastructure.

Key Infrastructure Developments:

Civil Service College Building: Constructed at an estimated cost of $4.75 million, this project is expected to enhance the efficiency of public administration in Mauritius. The MoU for the project was signed in 2017.
Area Health Centre: This healthcare facility, along with 20 other community projects, was developed with an investment of approximately INR 7 crores. These projects also include new sports infrastructure to support youth development.

PM Modi’s Past Visits to Mauritius

This marks PM Modi’s third visit to Mauritius, following:

1998 – As BJP National General Secretary, he addressed the International Ramayana Conference in Moka
2015 – As Prime Minister, he announced SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), India’s maritime cooperation initiative in the Indian Ocean

PM Modi’s visit to Mauritius highlights India’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the island nation. Through diplomatic engagements, development initiatives, and strategic agreements, the trip aims to bolster the long-standing India-Mauritius relationship for mutual progress and prosperity.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies