PM Modi’s two-day state visit to Mauritius on March 11, 2025, includes participating in national day celebrations, signing cooperation agreements, and engaging with leaders and the Indian community. Emphasizing historical ties, PM Modi seeks to strengthen India-Mauritius relations and support the island nation in its negotiations with the UK over the Chagos Islands.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Mauritius on March 11, 2025, for a two-day state visit, receiving a ceremonial welcome at the airport. Modi was greeted by Mauritian Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who adorned him with a garland. The welcome ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including the deputy PM, Chief Justice, Speaker of the National Assembly, and around 200 dignitaries from various sectors, including MPs, MLAs, and religious leaders.
During his visit, PM Modi is expected to participate in Mauritius’ national day celebrations as the chief guest. The visit comes at an invitation from PM Ramgoolam and will include the signing of several agreements focusing on capacity building, trade, and addressing cross-border financial crimes. Modi stated, “This visit would open a ‘new and bright’ chapter in the ties between the two nations.”
Modi will meet with the Mauritian president and prime minister, as well as senior leaders and political party figures. Additionally, he plans to engage with members of the Indian community and inaugurate several projects, including the civil service college and area health center funded by India. He emphasized the importance of elevating the partnership between India and Mauritius for mutual progress.
A contingent of Indian armed forces will be present during the celebrations, alongside the Indian Navy’s warship and the Akash Ganga skydiving team. PM Modi characterized Mauritius as a vital maritime neighbor and a pivotal partner in the Indian Ocean, highlighting the deep-seated historical, geographical, and cultural connections between the two nations. He noted, “Deep mutual trust, a shared belief in the values of democracy, and celebration of our diversity are our strengths.”
India is one of Mauritius’s largest trading partners, significantly influenced by the substantial Indian-origin population, which constitutes nearly 70% of the island’s 1.2 million residents. Ahead of the visit, India expressed its support for Mauritius in negotiating a beneficial agreement with the UK regarding the Chagos Islands, a matter expected to be discussed between Modi and Prime Minister Ramgoolam, following the UK’s historic commitment to return sovereignty to Mauritius after several decades.
PM Modi’s state visit to Mauritius aims to strengthen bilateral relations and explore collaborative opportunities. With various agreements expected to be signed, Modi’s interactions with Mauritian leaders and the Indian community underscore the long-standing ties between India and Mauritius, significantly shaped by a shared historical and cultural identity. The visit signifies a commitment to enhance cooperation in diverse sectors for mutual prosperity.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
