In an effort to strategically engage with Mauritius' new leadership, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the island nation dubbed the "paradise on earth" from March 11-12.
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| Prime Minister Narenda Modi meets President Dharam Gokhool. (Source: X) |
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his counterpart Navinchandra Ramgoolam, met President Dharam Gokhool and held meetings with senior officials and leaders of political parties. The Indian leader was the chief guest at Mauritius' Independence Day celebrations on March 12, which were attended by Indian troops, including warships and the Akash Ganga parachute team of the Indian Air Force.
This is Prime Minister Modi's second visit to the Indian Ocean island nation after his visit exactly a decade ago.
Sharing on social network X, Prime Minister Modi said that he had a "wonderful meeting with President Dharambeer Gokhool, who is very knowledgeable about India and Indian culture". The two sides "discussed ways to further promote bilateral relations in many areas".
Speaking at a meeting with the Indian community in the capital Port Louis with Prime Minister Ramgoolam, Mr. Modi emphasized that for New Delhi, “Mauritius is not just a trusted ally and friend, but a family. India is ready to cooperate with Mauritius to protect national interests and ensure security in the Indian Ocean region.”
Praising the contribution of the Indian community, which accounts for nearly 70% of Mauritius' 1.2 million population, Prime Minister Ramgoolam asserted: "Your participation is very important for the economic growth of Mauritius. When you come here, you also enrich our country." Mauritius "wants to encourage more Indians to invest."
Since 2005, India has become one of the largest trading partners of the East African island nation. According to official figures, trade has increased by 132% in the past 17 years, from $206 million in 2005-06 to $554 million in 2022-23, of which India exported $462 million to Mauritius while Mauritius exported $91.50 million to India.
In 2021, the two sides signed the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit to Port Louis, marking India's first trade agreement with an African country.
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| Talks between Prime Minister Narenda Modi and his Mauritian counterpart Navinchandra Ramgoolam. (Source: X) |
During the visit, the two sides signed eight Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to enhance cooperation in various areas, including banking, trade, security and governance. In particular, the two sides upgraded their bilateral relations to an enhanced strategic partnership.
Prime Minister Modi described Mauritius as an important bridge connecting India with the global South, a relationship that is underpinned by New Delhi's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, which he announced during his visit to Mauritius in March 2015.
After 10 years, also in Port Louis, the Indian leader announced a new initiative: “For the Global South, India’s vision will now be – MAHASAGAR (Comprehensive and mutually beneficial progress for security and growth across regions)“.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius marks a return to the island nation he calls “Mini India” where he feels at home. The presence of the Indian prime minister in Port Louis after 10 years, along with the announcement of a new vision for the global south, has given new life to relations with Mauritius, especially in the context of growing competition for influence in the Indian Ocean region.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/quan-he-an-do-mauritius-tam-nhin-moi-suc-song-moi-307404.html
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