Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Mauritius on March 11-12, for national day celebrations, aiming to enhance bilateral ties. He emphasized mutual cooperation, historical connections, and shared democratic values, marking strategic engagements under SAGAR. India’s strong trade relationship with Mauritius is reflected in significant investments and collaborative projects.
During a recent press statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi indicated that his upcoming two-day visit to Mauritius aims to foster closer relations and strengthen bilateral partnerships. The visit, scheduled for March 11 and 12, coincides with Mauritius’s national day celebrations, which he will attend at the invitation of Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam.
Modi expressed optimism regarding discussions with Mauritian leaders to enhance various aspects of the partnership, emphasizing the importance of mutual progress and prosperity for both nations. An Indian armed forces contingent, including a navy warship and the Akash Ganga skydiving team, will participate in the national day festivities.
Highlighting Mauritius’s significance, Modi remarked, “Mauritius is a close maritime neighbour, a key partner in the Indian Ocean, and a gateway to the African Continent. We are connected by history, geography and culture.” He further noted the deep mutual trust and shared democratic values as foundational strengths of the bilateral relationship.
The Prime Minister recognized the impressive developments made in the last decade, particularly regarding people-centric initiatives. He expressed confidence that the visit would further solidify the relationship between India and Mauritius while contributing to regional security and development under the SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region) initiative.
India and Mauritius maintain a close cooperative relationship in maritime security, development projects, and capacity building, significantly illustrated by various India-assisted initiatives throughout Mauritius. Furthermore, India stands as one of the largest trading partners of Mauritius, with the island nation emerging as the second largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India for the fiscal year 2023-24. The two nations also finalized a comprehensive economic cooperation and partnership agreement in February 2021, marking India’s first trade agreement with an African country.
In summary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forthcoming visit to Mauritius signifies a pivotal moment in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. With a focus on shared history, culture, and mutual democratic values, the visit aims to enhance cooperative efforts in various sectors, including security and economic development. The relationship between India and Mauritius, characterized by deep-rooted cooperation and partnership, is set to enter a promising new chapter.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
