Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam held bilateral talks in Varanasi, focusing on strategic partnership, development cooperation, and cultural ties.
Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam and Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Photo Credits: IANS)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday, during which both sides agreed on a special economic package for Mauritius.
PM Modi said the package would boost infrastructure development, generate employment opportunities, and enhance healthcare facilities in the island nation.
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IIT Madras and the Indian Institute of Plantation Management have signed agreements with the University of Mauritius, PM Modi apprised.
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”These agreements will take our partnership in research, education, and innovation to new heights. A free, open, secure, stable, and prosperous Indian Ocean is our common priority,” PM Modi said.
He added that India was fully committed to strengthening the security and maritime capacity of Mauritius’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
He further said that India has always stood as the first responder and a security provider in the Indian Ocean region.
“Mauritius’ coast guard ship is being refitted in India. Their 120 officers are also being trained in India. Today, an agreement has been signed on cooperation in the field of hydrography, and for the next five years, there will be a joint survey of EEZ, mutual cooperation in navigation, charts, and hydrography data,” PM Modi added.
“India has always supported decolonisation and full recognition of Mauritius’s sovereignty and has stood firmly with Mauritius in this. It is a matter of pride for India to be a trusted and primary partner in Mauritius’ development,” PM Modi said.
After the talks, PM Modi, in his speech, said that he felt honoured to welcome the Mauritian delegation to his parliamentary constituency, noting that Kashi has long been a symbol of India’s civilizational heritage and cultural essence.
PM Modi said that ”energy security is an important pillar of our partnership. India is assisting Mauritius in its energy transition. 100 electric buses are being provided to Mauritius, of which 10 have already arrived.”
He added that the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement concluded in the field of energy will give it further impetus. ”We have decided to cooperate in the construction of a 17.5 Megawatt floating solar power plant at Tamarind Falls”.
So far, more than 5,000 Mauritian citizens have received training in India. During my March visit, it was decided to train 500 civil servants, he further said.
“I am very happy that the first batch is currently undergoing training in Mussoorie. Today, we have decided that a new Directorate of Science and Technology will be established in Mauritius, and soon we will also start training modules of Mission Karmayogi in Mauritius,” PM Modi added.
He said that he is proud that India and Mauritius are not just partners but a family, adding that Mauritius is an important pillar of India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision Mahasagar.
He stated that in March, he had the privilege of attending the National Day celebrations of Mauritius. ”At that, both countries gave our relations the status of Enhanced Strategic Partnership,” PM Modi added.
Today, India and Mauritius have reviewed all aspects of bilateral cooperation in detail and shared views on regional and global issues. “I heartily congratulate Prime Minister Ramgoolam and the people of Mauritius on the conclusion of the Chagos Agreement,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi added that Indian traditions reached Mauritius centuries ago and became deeply embedded in its way of life.
Just as the Ganga flows endlessly through Kashi, the stream of Indian culture continues to enrich Mauritius. Welcoming Mauritius in Kashi, he said, was not just a formality but a spiritual reunion, he added.
Earlier on Thursday, PM Modi conducted a massive roadshow in Varanasi. He received a warm welcome on his arrival in the holy city.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri discussed with Ramgoolam a multifaceted partnership with Mauritius and reaffirmed commitment to strengthening an enhanced strategic partnership anchored in shared history, culture, and people-to-people ties.
The bilateral talks began 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 Mauritian 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.
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