Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the deepening of ties between India and Mauritius during a bilateral meeting with Mauritius Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Varanasi on Thursday (11 September). PM Modi described the two nations as sharing common dreams and destiny. He stated, “India and Mauritius are two nations, but our dreams and destiny are one.”
Modi said, “I am proud to say that India and Mauritius are not just partners but a family. Mauritius is an important pillar of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First policy and Vision Mahasagar.'” The leaders signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to boost cooperation. Modi visited Mauritius in March for its National Day celebrations, where they elevated relations to a Strategic Partnership.
Key Agreements and Collaborations
The leaders reviewed all aspects of bilateral cooperation and shared views on regional and global issues. Modi congratulated PM Ramgoolam and the people of Mauritius on the conclusion of the Chagos Agreement. He committed India to strengthening the security and maritime capacity of Mauritius’s Exclusive Economic Zone, adding, “Free, open, prosperous Indian Ocean is in our shared interest.”
India decided on a special economic package for Mauritius to strengthen infrastructure and create new employment opportunities. Mauritius became the first country outside India to establish a Jan Aushadhi Kendra, India’s generic medicine centre. India extended support for a 500-bed hospital and an animal hospital in Mauritius.
In energy, Modi stressed assistance for Mauritius’s transition. India provides 100 electric buses, with 10 already delivered. The leaders agreed on a Comprehensive Partnership Agreement in energy and cooperation for a 17.5 Megawatt floating solar power plant at Tamarind Falls. They explored collaboration in health, education, science and technology, energy, infrastructure, renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, and the blue economy. The nations will take steps to conduct trade in local currency.
Over 5,000 Mauritian citizens have received training in India. During Modi’s March visit, they decided to train 500 civil servants, with the first batch currently in Mussoorie. A new Directorate of Science and Technology will open in Mauritius.
Warm Welcome and Spiritual Reunion
PM Ramgoolam arrived in Varanasi on Wednesday evening. Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed him. Modi called the meeting a “spiritual union,” noting, “Our culture and values reached Mauritius centuries ago from India and became deeply embedded in its way of life. Just as the uninterrupted flow of the Ganga in Kashi sustains life, the continuous flow of Indian culture has enriched Mauritius. We welcome our friends from Mauritius in Kashi today. This is not merely a formal event, but a spiritual reunion.”
Modi received a warm welcome in Varanasi, with people showering flower petals and waving BJP flags. Ramgoolam thanked Modi for the generous courtesy, saying, “I also want to thank you, Prime Minister, and your government for the generous courtesy that has been extended to us, to my delegation, since our arrival. On our landing in Varanasi, both my wife and I were amazed at the welcome that we received. I believe no other prime minister has ever received it. I’m glad it’s in your constituency. I can understand why you get elected in such huge numbers. This is my fourth official visit to India.”
Varanasi featured large hoardings and banners welcoming Ramgoolam, with three-layer security in place. BJP’s local media in-charge Arvind Mishra noted this as the first bilateral meeting of the prime minister with a head of state in Kashi. He added that India works toward building cordial relations with neighbours amid regional turmoil.
Visit Schedule and Cultural Highlights
Ramgoolam visits India from September 9 to 16. In Varanasi, he attends the Ganga Aarti on Thursday evening and visits the Kashi Vishwanath Temple on Friday morning before departing. He may also visit Ayodhya. A cultural program highlights the historical ties between the nations.
District Magistrate Satyendar Kumar said, “After the bilateral meet, the delegation from Mauritius will witness the Ganga Aarti and visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple. A cultural program will also be shown to them, highlighting the historical ties of the two nations.”
Modi hosted lunch for Ramgoolam before leaving. A video showed the leaders greeting each other with smiles and handshakes.
