Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reaffirmed India’s commitment to a free, open, secure, stable, and prosperous Indian Ocean, after holding bilateral talks with Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who is on a state visit to India.
#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Mauritius Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/rcvn8ycUsb
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Addressing a joint press conference, PM Modi said, “A free, open, secure, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean is our common priority. India is fully committed to strengthening the security and maritime capacity of Mauritius’s Exclusive Economic Zone. India has always stood as the first responder and a security provider in the Indian Ocean region.”
During the meeting in Varanasi, the two leaders discussed key areas of cooperation, particularly development partnership and capacity building. They also explored opportunities in health, education, science and technology, energy, infrastructure, renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, and the blue economy.
PM Modi announced new academic collaborations, including between IIT Madras, the Indian Institute of Plantation Management, and the University of Mauritius, aimed at advancing joint efforts in maritime security and regional development.
Chagos Deal Hailed as ‘Historic Victory’
The Indian Prime Minister congratulated Ramgoolam and the people of Mauritius on the conclusion of the Chagos Islands agreement, describing it as a “historic victory” for Mauritius’s sovereignty.
“India has always supported decolonisation and the full recognition of Mauritius’s sovereignty. And in this, India has stood firmly with Mauritius,” Modi said.
In May, the United Kingdom agreed to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, to Mauritius after more than five decades. Under the agreement, while sovereignty will rest with Mauritius, the UK will retain full responsibility for the security of the strategically located Diego Garcia base.
“Not just partners, we are family”: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with his Mauritian counterpart, Navinchandra Ramgoolam on Thursday where the two leaders held a bilateral meeting and exchanged several documents. PM Modi highlighted the special relationship between India and Mauritius and reiterated how the Indian Ocean country is an integral pillar of India’s Neighbourhood First policy and vision, MAHASAGAR.
"Not just partners, we are family": PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Mauritius PM Ramgoolam
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PM Modi said, “While we welcome today our friends from Mauritius, this is not just formal meeting but a spiritual meeting, that is why I am proud to say that India and Mauritius are not just partners but one family. Mauritius is an important pillar of India’s neighbourhood first policy and vision Mahasagar.”
“From ancient times, Kashi has been the symbol of Indian civilisation and the soul of culture. Our culture and traditions reached Mauritius from India centuries ago and got absorbed in the life there. Like the continuous flow of Ganga in Kashi, the steady flow of Indian culture has been enriching and making Mauritius prosperous”, PM Modi said.
“Not assistance but investment in shared future…”: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held delegation-level talks with his Mauritian counterpart Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Varanasi.
Addressing a joint media briefing after the talks, PM Modi highlighted that the package is not an assistance but an investment in the shared future.
Noting that it is a matter of pride for India to be a reliable and primary partner in Mauritius’ development, PM Modi said, “Today we have decided on a Special Economic Package keeping in mind the needs and priorities of Mauritius. It will strengthen infrastructure, create new employment opportunities, and strengthen health facilities.”
"Not assistance but investment in shared future…": PM Modi announces Special Economic Package for Mauritius
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He brought to attention how, outside India, the first Jan Aushadhi Centre has now been established in Mauritius.
“Today we have decided that AYUSH Centre of Excellence in Mauritius, 500-bed Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital, and India will assist in the construction of Veterinary School and Animal Hospital. We will also take forward projects like the Chagos Marine Protected Area, the ATC tower of the SSR International Airport, and the expansion of the highway and ring road. This package is not an assistance. It is an investment in our shared future”, PM Modi said.
PM Modi said that the two countries will be working towards enabling trade in local currency and highlighted how the UPI and RuPay cards were launched in Mauritius last year.
On the front of energy security, PM Modi highlighted how India is assisting Mauritius in its energy transition. “Hundred electric buses are being given to Mauritius, out of which 10 have already arrived. The comprehensive partnership agreement concluded in the field of energy will give it further strength. We have decided to assist in the construction of a 17.5 MW floating solar power plant at ‘Tamarind Falls’.”
Observing that more than 5000 Mauritian citizens have received training in India, he shared that during his March visit, it was decided to train 500 civil servants and said that the first batch is currently undergoing training in Mussoorie.
“Today, we have decided that a new Directorate of Science and Technology will be established in Mauritius. And, soon, we will also start training modules of Mission Karmayogi in Mauritius. India’s IIT Madras and the Indian Institute of Plantation Management have signed agreements with the University of Mauritius. These agreements will take mutual partnership in research, education and innovation to new heights”, he said.
Reflecting on the celebration of the 125th birth anniversary of Sir Shivsagar Ramgoolam, the Prime Minister stated, “He was not only the father of the nation of Mauritius, but was also the founder of the unbreakable bridge between India and Mauritius. His birth anniversary will continue to inspire us to take our relations to new heights.”
Ramgoolam is undertaking a state visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. The Mauritian PM had earlier visited India in May 2014 as the only non-SAARC leader invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi and the Council of Ministers.
He arrived in Varanasi on September 10 and was accorded a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour. He was received by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel.
The meeting between the two leaders in the historic city of Varanasi underscores the enduring civilisational connection, spiritual bonds, and deep-rooted people-to-people ties that have shaped the special and unique relationship between India and Mauritius. (With inputs from ANI)
