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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Mauritius for a two-day visit, where he will attend the 57th national day celebrations. The visit includes meetings with key leaders, signing important agreements on trade and security, and inaugurating several initiatives supported by India. Modi emphasized the strong historical connections between the two nations and expressed hope for a brighter future together.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Mauritius for a two-day state visit, warmly received by Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. During his visit, he is set to take part in the country’s 57th national day celebrations as the guest of honour.

Modi’s agenda includes meetings with top Mauritian leadership and the signing of several agreements that will foster cooperation in capacity building, trade, and combating cross-border financial crime.

The visit will showcase participation from the Indian armed forces in the national day celebrations, alongside a naval warship and the Akash Ganga skydiving team. The prime minister expressed that this visit would herald a “new and bright” chapter in the relationship between India and Mauritius.

He emphasized the longstanding ties between the nations, stating, “Mauritius is a close maritime neighbor, a key partner in the Indian Ocean, and a gateway to the African Continent.” The cultural and historical connection between India and Mauritius remains a source of pride for both nations.

During his stay, Modi will meet with the President of Mauritius, engage with senior dignitaries, and interact with the Indian community. He will inaugurate facilities such as a civil service college and a health centre funded by India.

Numerous agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations will be signed, including a technical agreement on white shipping information exchange. An MoU for cooperation in maritime management and ocean observation is also on the agenda between India’s National Centre for Ocean Information Services and its Mauritian counterpart.

Additionally, an MoU between India’s Enforcement Directorate and Mauritius’s Financial Crime Commission will focus on enhancing collaboration to combat financial crimes. Modi has previously visited Mauritius in 1998 and 2015, emphasizing India’s commitment to strengthening ties.

India is one of the largest trading partners of Mauritius, a former colony with a population that includes a significant number of individuals of Indian descent. Prior to Modi’s visit, India voiced its support for Mauritius in its negotiations with the UK regarding the Chagos Islands, a discussion anticipated to occur during Modi’s talks with Ramgoolam.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius signifies an important opportunity to enhance the longstanding ties between the two nations. His engagements and the expected agreements aim to strengthen cooperation in various sectors, including trade, maritime management, and tackling financial crime. The historical connections further enrich this bilateral relationship, reflecting mutual respect and collaboration for future prosperity.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com