PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Mauritius, participating as the chief guest in National Day celebrations. He will discuss bilateral agreements on trade and cooperation and inaugurate India-funded projects. The visit aims to strengthen historical ties and mutual interests between India and Mauritius while addressing regional issues like the Chagos Islands dispute.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Mauritius on Tuesday for a two-day State Visit. He is participating as the chief guest in the National Day celebrations and is set to hold discussions with Mauritius’s leadership, including Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam. Agreements to enhance cooperation in capacity building, trade, and combating cross-border financial crimes are expected to be formalized during this visit.
Modi expressed optimism prior to his departure, stating the visit would signify a “new and bright” chapter in India-Mauritius relations. Scheduled engagements include meetings with the Mauritian president and senior political leaders. Modi plans to connect with the Indian diaspora and inaugurate two India-funded projects: the Civil Service College and the Area Health Centre.
The significance of the visit is highlighted by Modi’s statement about aiming for stronger partnerships. 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, Indian Navy warship, and the Indian Air Force’s Akash Ganga skydiving team will participate in the celebrations. Modi emphasized deep-rooted connections, noting that Mauritius is a close maritime neighbor and a key partner in the Indian Ocean, reinforcing history, geography, and cultural ties between the two nations.
He acknowledged the longstanding people-to-people connections as a source of shared pride, noting that his last visit was in 2015. India continues to be one of Mauritius’s largest trading partners, with nearly 70% of the island’s 1.2 million residents of Indian origin. Additionally, prior to Modi’s arrival, India reaffirmed its support for Mauritius in negotiations regarding the Chagos Islands dispute, which is expected to be discussed with Prime Minister Ramgoolam.
In conclusion, PM Modi’s two-day visit to Mauritius underlines the strengthening of bilateral relations through enhanced cooperation in various sectors. The visit aims to reinforce connections rooted in shared history and culture while addressing pressing issues such as trade and regional disputes. Engaging with the Mauritian leadership and diaspora, Modi’s trip is positioned as pivotal for both nations’ future collaborations.
Original Source: www.onmanorama.com
