Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Mauritius where he will participate in National Day celebrations, engage with top officials, and inaugurate key projects. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various sectors. Modi also reaffirmed India’s support for Mauritius in its negotiations over the Chagos Islands dispute.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Mauritius for a two-day official visit. Throughout his stay, he will serve as the chief guest at the National Day celebrations and engage in dialogues with the nation’s top leadership regarding vital bilateral issues.
Invited by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, PM Modi’s visit aims to solidify various agreements enhancing cooperation on capacity building, trade, and the fight against cross-border financial crimes, as reported by PTI. Prior to his departure, he expressed optimism, indicating that this visit would signify a “new and bright” chapter in India-Mauritius relations.
During his time in Mauritius, Modi is scheduled to meet the president, converse with Prime Minister Ramgoolam, and interact with senior officials. He will also connect with the Indian diaspora and inaugurate two India-funded projects: the Civil Service College and the Area Health Centre.
The Indian armed forces will participate in the celebrations, alongside an Indian Navy warship and the Indian Air Force’s Akash Ganga skydiving team. Modi emphasized the significance of the visit, stating he looked forward to collaborating with Mauritius’ leadership to advance bilateral partnerships for mutual prosperity.
Highlighting the enduring relations, Modi referred to Mauritius as a close maritime neighbor and a crucial Indian Ocean partner, enriched by their historical, geographical, and cultural connections. He noted the strength derived from shared democratic values and celebrated diversity.
Modi remarked on the pride generated from the long-standing people-to-people ties, emphasizing these connections as fundamentally important. He last visited Mauritius in 2015, with India being one of its largest trading partners. Approximately 70 percent of the 1.2 million residents in Mauritius are of Indian descent.
Prior to the visit, India reaffirmed its backing of Mauritius in its negotiations with the UK concerning the Chagos Islands dispute, a topic anticipated to arise in discussions with Prime Minister Ramgoolam. Recent announcements from the UK indicate plans to return sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius after over fifty years, under a historic agreement.
In summary, PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius underscores the importance of strengthening ties between the two nations. Through engagements with Mauritian leadership, participation in National Day celebrations, and the inauguration of key projects, the visit aims to foster heightened cooperation in various domains, including trade and security. The reaffirmation of support regarding the Chagos Islands dispute further emphasizes India’s commitment to its relations with Mauritius.
Original Source: www.onmanorama.com
