Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Mauritius aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship, particularly in maritime security and development partnerships. He will participate in the National Day celebrations as the Chief Guest, alongside Indian defence forces. An agreement on white-shipping information sharing and various MoUs will be signed, further enhancing cooperation. This visit highlights India’s commitment to supporting Mauritius through various aid programs and initiatives that foster ongoing collaboration between the countries.
India and Mauritius are poised to deepen their longstanding relationship during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Port Louis, which begins on Tuesday. This visit coincides with the National Day celebrations of Mauritius, where PM Modi has been invited as the Chief Guest. Additionally, a contingent from the Indian defence forces and an Indian Navy ship will participate in the celebrations, highlighting the importance of this bilateral engagement.
This will mark PM Modi’s first trip to Mauritius since 2015, which was significant for establishing India’s Vision SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region. This vision, alongside policies focused on the neighbourhood and beyond, continues to shape India’s approach to fostering historical and civilizational ties within the Indian Ocean region. “We seek a future for the Indian Ocean that lives up to the name of SAGAR,” PM Modi remarked in the past.
The current visit aims to reinforce bilateral collaboration across multiple sectors, including development partnership, maritime safety, and trade connectivity. An Indian Naval ship will dock in Port Louis to commemorate the occasion, and various Indian military contingents, such as the Akash Ganga Skydiving Team and NCC cadets, will participate in the National Day festivities.
Furthermore, during this visit, both India and Mauritius are expected to finalize a technical agreement focused on sharing white-shipping information, which will enhance maritime security and safety for trade corridors in the region. This cooperation will extend beyond naval initiatives, involving law enforcement efforts to combat illegal maritime activities. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri highlighted the significance of this collaboration, which pertains to ocean observation, research, and enhanced maritime zone management.
India has historically supported Mauritius during crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic, and has emerged as a key trading partner. The enduring relationship is reflected in various India-funded development initiatives in Mauritius, notably a USD 353 million grant in 2016 for priority projects and a USD 500 million Line of Credit in 2017 for further project financing. During the ongoing visit, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Ramgoolam will inaugurate projects that showcase their partnership, alongside signing several memorandums of understanding (MoUs).
The strong ties between India and Mauritius are punctuated by continued high-level engagements, with notable visits and collaborations occurring over the past decade. The relationship represents a vital pillar of the Vision SAGAR strategy, and with the new government led by Prime Minister Ramgoolam, these ties are poised to strengthen further, with Modi being the first leader to congratulate Ramgoolam on his recent electoral success.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Mauritius marks a significant step in reinforcing the robust ties between the two nations. The focus on maritime security, development partnerships, and mutual cooperation reflects a commitment to working together for regional stability and prosperity. As both countries continue to collaborate on various fronts, the strengthening of their relationship underlines the strategic importance of the India-Mauritius alliance within the broader context of Indian Ocean geopolitics.
Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz
