PM Modi reached Mauritius, will participate in National Day celebrations
Port Louis: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived on a two-day official visit to Mauritius. He will participate as the chief guest in the 57th National Day celebrations of Mauritius. This visit is considered an important step towards further strengthening the deep historical, cultural and diplomatic ties between India and Mauritius.
PM Modi reached Mauritius
Warm welcome on arrival in Mauritius
PM Modi was given a grand welcome on his arrival in Mauritius. Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam and other senior officials welcomed Modi at the airport. People of the Indian community also enthusiastically welcomed PM Modi and performed traditional Indian folk dances.
On this occasion, Prime Minister Modi said, “It is always a special feeling to come to Mauritius. It is not only a friendly nation but also one of India’s closest partners. I am proud to be present here on this historic occasion.”
Will attend National Day celebrations
PM Modi will attend the National Day celebrations of Mauritius as a special guest. This celebration is being held on March 12. On this day Mauritius gained independence from British rule in 1968, and since then this day is celebrated with great pomp every year.
Apart from PM Modi, many other global leaders and dignitaries will also attend this celebration. Various cultural programs and parades will be organized on this occasion, which will give a glimpse of the traditional relations between India and Mauritius.
Historical relations between India and Mauritius
Relations between India and Mauritius have been historically deep. 70% of the population of Mauritius is of Indian origin, which settled there from India in the 19th century. India has always been one of the major trading and diplomatic partners of Mauritius.
India has provided many important economic and technical assistance to Mauritius. Recently, India has provided significant assistance to Mauritius in the areas of infrastructure, health, education and security.
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, India played its role as a “first responder” by sending vaccines and medical assistance to Mauritius. During this visit too, many important agreements are expected to be signed between the two countries.
PM Modi’s schedule in Mauritius
Several key meetings and agreements are expected to be signed during this visit of Prime Minister Modi. His schedule includes the following key points:
Participation in National Day celebrations: PM Modi will participate in the 57th National Day celebrations of Mauritius as a special guest.
India-Mauritius bilateral talks: Issues related to trade, investment, digital cooperation and infrastructure will be discussed between the Prime Ministers of the two countries.
Interaction with the Indian community: PM Modi will meet and address the Indian diaspora in Mauritius.
Review of joint projects: Ongoing development projects between the two countries will be reviewed, including smart city construction, digital payment systems, and cooperation in the education sector.
India-Mauritius Economic and Trade Relations
Trade and economic cooperation between India and Mauritius has also been significant. Mauritius is a major investment hub for India and Indian companies play an important role in the financial and services sectors there.
In 2023-24, the total bilateral trade between India and Mauritius stood at US$ 851.13 million. Petroleum products, medicines, machinery, and textiles are mainly exported from India to Mauritius.
Major products exported from Mauritius to India include marine products, textiles, and tourism services.
Strategic and Defense Cooperation
Strategic cooperation between India and Mauritius has also strengthened. In recent years, India has provided Coast Guard Ships, security equipment, and digital surveillance technology to Mauritius.
Apart from this, both the countries are also cooperating on security and protection of maritime trade routes in the Indian Ocean region.
India has also helped Mauritius to strengthen its security capabilities by providing military training and defense equipment.
Possible agreements and announcements
During this visit of PM Modi, many important agreements are expected to be signed between India and Mauritius. The major agreements among these may be the following:
Agreement on Digital Payment System – India will provide technical assistance to develop digital payment system in Mauritius.
Solar Energy Cooperation – India will provide financial and technical assistance for renewable energy projects in Mauritius.
Cooperation in Medical and Healthcare Sector – India will cooperate in upgrading hospitals and medical facilities in Mauritius.
Education and Skill Development – Mauritian students will be provided education and scholarship opportunities in India.
Strategic importance of the visit
This visit of PM Modi is not limited to bilateral relations only, but it also reflects India’s growing role in the Indian Ocean region. Mauritius occupies a strategically important position in the Indian Ocean region and is a major partner country for India.
India is strengthening its presence in the region under the “SAGAR NITI” (Security and Growth for All in the Region). This visit will be another important step towards strengthening India’s security and trade strategy in the Indian Ocean region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius is important from a historical and diplomatic point of view.
