PM Modi’s Visit to Mauritius: A New Chapter in Bilateral Ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently wrapped up a significant two-day visit to Mauritius, starting March 11. This trip marked an important step in strengthening relations between India and Mauritius. He was the guest of honor at the country’s 57th national day celebrations, which also featured performances by Indian defense forces, including the Indian Navy and the Akash Ganga skydivers.
During his visit, Modi engaged in various cultural, diplomatic, and economic activities. He signed key agreements focusing on capacity building, trade, and combating financial crimes. Such collaborations emphasize the mutual goals that both nations share.
One of the standout moments was when Prime Minister Modi received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius’ highest civilian honor. This recognition highlights the deep-rooted relationship between Mauritius and India. Modi also announced the issuance of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards to the seventh generation of Mauritians of Indian origin. This initiative underlines the strong ties shared by the Indian diaspora in Mauritius.
From an economic perspective, Modi inaugurated over 20 projects funded by India, ranging from a Civil Services College to community health centers. These projects aim to boost local development and democratic practices in Mauritius. Historically, Mauritius, which gained independence in 1968, has been a key trading partner for India, strengthening economic bonds.
Among the notable projects inaugurated were the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and the Mauritius Area Health Centre at Cap Malheureux. Modi also pledged India’s support for a new parliament building and additional community development projects.
Historically, Prime Minister Modi has visited Mauritius multiple times. His first trip was in 1998 for the International Ramayana Conference, and he returned in 2015 as Prime Minister, where he introduced India’s maritime cooperation doctrine, SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
During his latest visit, he held talks with the Mauritius President and Prime Minister and met various political leaders. The agreements signed during his visit reflect broad areas of collaboration. Notably:
- An agreement between the Reserve Bank of India and the Bank of Mauritius to promote the use of local currencies in cross-border transactions.
- A credit facility agreement between Mauritius and the State Bank of India.
- An MoU focusing on cooperation in micro and small enterprises between the two countries.
These developments indicate a commitment towards greater cooperation and cohesion, enhancing trade and security ties between India and Mauritius. As more partnerships unfold, the potential for increased collaboration in trade, security, and cultural exchange looks promising.
For more insights into India-Mauritius relations, you can check resources from the Ministry of External Affairs of India here.
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