Prime Minister Modi’s Upcoming State Visit to Mauritius: Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Mauritius aims to sign agreements on maritime security, financial crime prevention, and civil service training, reaffirming strong bilateral ties. The visit commemorates the 57th National Day of Mauritius and includes various engagements with political leaders and community members, enhancing cooperation in diverse sectors.

In anticipation of a two-day State visit to Mauritius commencing on March 11, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the island nation as a vital maritime neighbor and a significant partner in the Indian Ocean region. The visit aims to establish agreements on maritime security, financial crime prevention, and civil servant training initiatives. Modi noted the strong historical, geographical, and cultural ties that bind the two nations.

During the visit, an Indian Naval Ship will dock at Port Louis to celebrate Modi’s presence as the Chief Guest for Mauritius’s National Day festivities. The celebrations will feature a contingent from the Indian Navy, an Indian Navy helicopter, the Akash Ganga Skydiving Team from the Indian Air Force, and National Cadet Corps cadets. The collaboration aims at enhancing capacities in areas such as maritime security, health, trade, and development partnerships.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri highlighted the significance of this visit as it marks the initiation of government relations between Modi and newly elected Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. This engagement comes at a pivotal moment, enabling both leaders to assess bilateral ties and establish future relations. Modi is expected to arrive in Port Louis on Tuesday morning.

Prime Minister Modi will pay tribute at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden and meet Mauritius’ new President Dharambeer Gokhool, followed by discussions with Prime Minister Ramgoolam. Together, they will inaugurate projects supported by India and witness the signing of bilateral memorandums of understanding (MOUs) focused on capacity building, trade enhancements, and collaboration against financial crimes.

Details on potential agreements were also provided by Foreign Secretary Misri, who noted the intention to sign a technical agreement for sharing white-shipping information between Indian Navy and Mauritian authorities. This initiative aims to bolster maritime security and combat illicit activities. Additional MOUs are expected to establish frameworks for ocean research and management, as well as cooperation on anti-corruption measures and training for Mauritian civil servants.

The upcoming State visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Mauritius signifies an important milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between India and Mauritius. With a focus on maritime security, combating financial crimes, and enhancing civil service training, the cooperation between the two nations is poised to deepen significantly. This engagement also marks an essential phase in the newly formed government of Mauritius, establishing a foundation for ongoing collaborative efforts in the region.

Original Source: indianexpress.com