Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport on Thursday aboard a special Indian Air Force aircraft to hold bilateral talks with Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, aimed at further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.
On his arrival, Modi was warmly received by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brijesh Pathak, along with senior ministers and officials. The Chief Secretary and DGP were also present at the airport. From there, the Prime Minister boarded an IAF helicopter to reach the meeting venue.
Mauritius Prime Minister Ramgoolam, who is on a state visit to India from September 9 to 16, arrived in Varanasi on Wednesday evening.
The bilateral talks are scheduled to take place at 11 am at Hotel Taj, Nadesar. According to officials, the discussions will focus on deepening cooperation in development partnership, capacity building, health, education, science and technology, energy, infrastructure, renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, and the blue economy.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that both leaders will engage in wide-ranging talks to “deepen the enhanced strategic partnership between India and Mauritius.” Varanasi District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar said all arrangements, including security and logistics, have been completed for the high-level meeting.
To witness the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat,PM Ramgoolam will also board a cruise from Ravidas Ghat and offer prayers at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple later today. His accompanying delegation will also participate in these religious and cultural activities.
Mauritius is a key partner in India’s MAHASAGAR vision and “Neighbourhood First” policy, and the deepening cooperation between the two countries will contribute to the prosperity of both nations and the collective aspirations of the Global South.
The Varanasi summit marks a significant milestone in the shared journey of India and Mauritius towards mutual prosperity, sustainable development, and a secure and inclusive future. The meeting between the two leaders underscores the enduring civilizational connect, spiritual bonds, and deep-rooted people-to-people ties between the two countries
PM Modi is expected to depart for Delhi this afternoon following the conclusion of the bilateral talks, while the Mauritius Prime Minister will be heading to Ayodhya on Friday.
Highlighting the significance of the high-profile visit, BJP city President Pradeep Agrahari said, “The bilateral talks between the two Prime Ministers will send a powerful message from Kashi to the entire international platform. Kashi will set an example not just in cultural identity, but also in the realm of religious tourism in the times to come.
PM Ramgoolam arrived in Varanasi on Wednesday evening for a three-day visit to the holy city, which is also the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Modi.He was received at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and State Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna.