Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius on March 11-12, 2023, as Chief Guest for the National Day celebrations is aimed at enhancing bilateral relations. Key activities include inaugurating projects, signing MOUs, and engaging with the Indian community. The visit reaffirms India’s commitment to supporting Mauritius in various sectors, underscoring the close ties between the two nations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Mauritius on March 11-12, 2023, to serve as the Chief Guest at the National Day celebrations. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized that this visit is timely, providing an opportunity for both countries to reassess and enhance their bilateral relationship. The Prime Ministers will inaugurate projects completed with Indian assistance and sign multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) focusing on capacity building, trade, and financial crime prevention.
During this visit, Prime Minister Modi will engage with various Indian community members and socio-cultural organizations in Mauritius. An Indian naval ship and the Aakash Ganga skydiving team from the Indian Air Force will also participate in the celebrations. Upon arrival in Port Louis, PM Modi will receive a ceremonial welcome and visit notable sites, including the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden.
Following his arrival, PM Modi will meet the newly appointed President of Mauritius, Dharambeer Gokhool, and hold discussions with Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam and other political figures. The Foreign Secretary addressed the significance of prior agreements, particularly regarding improvements in infrastructure at Agalega Island, which enhanced connectivity and facilitated timely disaster response in the past.
Prime Minister Ramgoolam characterized Modi’s visit as a significant honor, underscoring the close relationship between the two nations. PM Modi will be the Guest of Honour at the flag-raising ceremony on March 12, followed by a cultural program showcasing the diversity of Mauritius. This visit marks Modi’s second attendance at Mauritius’s National Day celebrations, reaffirming the countries’ lasting partnership.
Mauritius hosts a significant Indian-origin population, accounting for approximately 70% of its 1.3 million residents. The Mahatma Gandhi Institute, established in 1976, aims to foster Indian culture. Additionally, the World Hindi Secretariat in Mauritius, inaugurated by President Kovind in 2018, showcases India-Mauritius cooperation in promoting the Hindi language globally.
India remains a vital trading partner for Mauritius, currently ranked as the second largest Foreign Direct Investor (FDI) in India for the FY 2023-24. The two nations formalized their economic cooperation in February 2021 with the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA), marking India’s first trade agreement with an African nation. Currently, 11 Indian Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) operate in Mauritius, enhancing bilateral relations and economic collaboration.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forthcoming visit to Mauritius is a pivotal moment for reaffirming and strengthening the bilateral ties between India and Mauritius. The visit showcases the commitment of both nations to deepen cooperation in various fields, including trade, capacity building, and cultural exchange. As the world looks on, this engagement reaffirms the historical and enduring relationship that continues to grow, benefitting both countries significantly.
Original Source: www.dailyexcelsior.com
