Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Mauritius for a two-day stay to celebrate the nation’s 57th national day as guest of honour. His agenda includes meetings with Mauritian leaders, signing agreements for cooperation in trade and financial crime prevention, and engaging with the Indian community. His visit reinforces the historical and cultural ties between the two nations, as well as India’s support on territorial negotiations with the UK regarding the Chagos Islands.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Port Louis, Mauritius, for a two-day state visit, warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. This visit honors the 57th national day celebrations of Mauritius, with Modi serving as the guest of honour.
During his trip, PM Modi’s agenda includes meetings with Mauritius’ leadership and the signing of various agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation in capacity building, trade, and cross-border financial crime prevention. A contingent of Indian armed forces, Indian Navy warship, and the Akash Ganga skydiving team will participate in the national day festivities.
Before departing, PM Modi expressed hopes that the visit would foster a “new and bright” chapter in India-Mauritius relations. He emphasized the importance of the historical and cultural ties between the nations, identifying Mauritius as a vital maritime partner and link to the African continent.
During his stay, he will meet with the President and Prime Minister of Mauritius, senior dignitaries, and engage with the Indian community. Modi is set to inaugurate the civil service college and area health centre established with India’s funding.
The visit includes signing a technical agreement on white shipping information exchange between the Indian Navy and Mauritius authorities. Additionally, there will be pacts for capacity building, trade enhancement, and cooperation on combating financial crimes.
An MoU will be established between the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services and Mauritius’ Prime Minister’s Office to facilitate collaboration on maritime zone management and research. The Enforcement Directorate of India and Mauritius’ Financial Crime Commission will formalize their partnership to strengthen efforts against financial crimes.
PM Modi had previously visited Mauritius in 2015 and 1998, reinforcing India’s significant trade relationship with the nation, which has a large population of Indian-origin citizens. Ahead of his visit, India reaffirmed support for Mauritius in its negotiations with the UK concerning the Chagos Islands, a topic likely to be discussed with Prime Minister Ramgoolam.
In summary, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Mauritius aims to strengthen bilateral relations through various agreements focused on capacity building, trade, and combating financial crimes. The participation of Indian forces in celebrations and engagement with the local community underscores the deep connections between the two nations. Modi’s commitment to fostering a “new and bright” era in India-Mauritius ties is evident as they address mutual interests, including the Chagos Islands issue.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
