PM Modi’s Ceremonial Welcome in Mauritius: Strengthening Ties and Cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Mauritius on March 11, 2025, for a state visit to attend national day celebrations and engage with top leadership. The visit will enhance cooperation between India and Mauritius through signed agreements, while PM Modi highlights the shared history and cultural ties between the nations.

On March 11, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Mauritius, where he received a ceremonial welcome. His visit coincides with the national day celebrations of the island nation, where he will engage in discussions with Mauritian leadership.

Upon his arrival, PM Modi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam for the warm welcome, tweeting, “Landed in Mauritius. I am grateful to my friend, PM Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, for the special gesture of welcoming me at the airport. This visit is a wonderful opportunity to engage with a valued friend and explore new avenues for collaboration in various sectors.”

PM Ramgoolam welcomed PM Modi with a garland, and he was accompanied by several esteemed officials including the deputy PM, Chief Justice, and members of the diplomatic corps, totaling around 200 dignitaries present at the event.

During the visit, which was requested by PM Ramgoolam, both nations are expected to sign several agreements to enhance cooperation in capacity building, trade, and combating cross-border financial crimes. Prior to his departure, PM Modi suggested that this trip could open a “new and bright” chapter in Indo-Mauritian relations.

In addition to meetings with top officials and addressing the Indian community, PM Modi plans to inaugurate a civil service college and an area health center constructed with India’s assistance. He emphasized the importance of strengthening ties, stating he was eager to elevate “our partnership in all its facets and strengthen our enduring friendship for the progress and prosperity of our peoples.”

A contingent from the Indian armed forces will participate in the events on the following day, alongside a warship and the Akash Ganga skydiving team. PM Modi noted that Mauritius serves as a crucial maritime partner, stating, “Mauritius is a close maritime neighbor, a key partner in the Indian Ocean, and a gateway to the African Continent. We are connected by history, geography, and culture.” He highlighted that the citizen connection between both nations is rooted in a shared sense of pride.

The Prime Minister’s previous visit to Mauritius occurred in 2015. India remains one of Mauritius’s primary trading partners, with a significant portion of the island’s population, approximately 70%, being of Indian descent. In the context of ongoing discussions about the Chagos Islands sovereignty, India expressed support for Mauritius’s negotiations with the U.K., a topic likely to arise during PM Modi’s talks with PM Ramgoolam.

In summary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day state visit to Mauritius marks a significant step in enhancing the relationship between India and Mauritius. His engagement with the island nation’s leadership and the signing of key agreements illustrate the commitment to cooperative efforts in various fields. The historical and cultural ties, coupled with the substantial Indian-origin population in Mauritius, underscore the importance of strengthening these alliances for mutual growth and prosperity.

Original Source: www.thehindu.com