PM Modi’s Upcoming Visit to Mauritius: A Celebration of Bilateral Relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Mauritius on March 11-12 to attend the national day celebrations as chief guest. During this visit, several MoUs will be exchanged to strengthen bilateral ties. An Indian Navy ship will participate in the celebrations, and Modi will engage with key figures and inaugurate important projects funded by India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to embark on a two-day state visit to Mauritius on March 11, 2023, to serve as the chief guest at the nation’s national day celebrations. During this visit, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will be exchanged as part of the strengthening bilateral relations, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The celebrations will highlight the longstanding ties between India and Mauritius, reinforcing their commitment to collaboration across various sectors.

Indian defense forces will partake in the national day events, accompanied by a ship from the Indian Navy. This visit follows Modi’s previous trip to Mauritius in 2015 and reflects ongoing diplomatic relations, particularly at the invitation of Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam. The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, confirmed that Modi will engage with key officials, including the president of Mauritius and local political leaders.

The Prime Minister is expected to interact with the vibrant Indian-origin community and inaugurate significant projects, namely, the civil service college and an area health center, both funded by India’s assistance. The MEA emphasized the close relationship between India and Mauritius, stemming from shared historical, cultural, and people-to-people links, stating that Mauritius plays a crucial role in India’s Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

India maintains robust trade relations with Mauritius, partly due to the fact that individuals of Indian descent make up approximately 70 percent of the island’s 1.2 million residents. Historically, India has been a leading trading partner for Mauritius, with trade volume increasing significantly—from USD 206 million in 2005-06 to USD 554 million in 2022-23, showcasing a 132 percent growth over 17 years.

In summary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Mauritius is a reaffirmation of the enduring relationship between India and Mauritius, marked by shared cultural ties and significant trade. The exchange of MoUs and participation in national celebrations underscore the commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation. The visit represents an important step toward enhancing diplomatic relations and fostering continued growth in trade and cultural engagement.

Original Source: www.mid-day.com