PM Modi arrived in Mauritius for a two-day state visit to celebrate the 57th national day. He is to engage with top leadership, sign agreements on cooperation in trade, and strengthen ties. Modi’s visit marks an enhancement in bilateral relations and cultural connections between India and Mauritius.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Port Louis, Mauritius for a two-day state visit, where he was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. Modi will celebrate Mauritius’ 57th national day as the guest of honour. The visit, at Ramgoolam’s invitation, allows for high-level discussions and the signing of multiple agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation in various sectors including trade and crime prevention.
During the visit, Modi is set to meet with Mauritius’ leadership and participate in the national day events featuring the Indian armed forces, including a naval warship and the Akash Ganga skydiving team. Before departing, Modi expressed that his visit would mark a “new and bright” chapter in bilateral relations and emphasized the deep cultural and historical ties between India and Mauritius.
The Prime Minister’s itinerary includes meetings with the president and other senior officials. Modi is also expected to engage with the Indian community and inaugurate new facilities, specifically a civil service college and a health center, funded by India. Additionally, multiple agreements will be signed, focusing on maritime cooperation, trade, and combating financial crimes.
Agreements to be finalized include a technical agreement on white shipping information exchange and an MoU for maritime zone management between the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services and Mauritius. A pact between India’s Enforcement Directorate and Mauritius’ Financial Crime Commission will enhance collaboration against financial crimes and money laundering.
This is not Modi’s first visit to Mauritius, having previously visited in 2015 and 1998. The historical relationship is significant, especially with Indian-origin residents comprising 70% of the local population. The discussions are also expected to tackle the ongoing negotiations concerning the Chagos Islands’ sovereignty between Mauritius and the UK, with India expressing its support for Mauritius on this matter.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Mauritius enhances bilateral relations through collaboration in various sectors such as trade, capacity building, and crime prevention. Cultural connections, shared history, and strategic partnerships underscore the importance of this visit. The anticipated agreements further solidify India and Mauritius’ commitment to mutual prosperity and cooperation in regional matters, including the Chagos Islands dispute.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
