Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Mauritius on March 11 for a two-day state visit. Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam invited him to attend the country’s National Day celebrations. Modi posted on social media, “Landed in Mauritius. I am grateful to my friend, PM Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, for the special gesture of welcoming me at the airport. This visit is a wonderful opportunity to engage with a valued friend and explore new avenues for collaboration in various sectors.”
Before leaving, Modi stated that the visit would open a “new and bright” chapter in India-Mauritius ties. Shortly after midnight, he departed for the island nation.
Strengthening India-Mauritius Relations
Before his departure, Modi expressed his eagerness to meet Mauritius’ leadership. He emphasized his goal to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors and deepen the long-standing friendship between both nations.
Moreover, he highlighted that India and Mauritius share strong historical, geographical, and cultural ties. “Mauritius is a close maritime neighbour, a key partner in the Indian Ocean, and a gateway to the African continent,” he said.
Additionally, he pointed out that both countries uphold democratic values and celebrate cultural diversity, which further strengthens their bond.
Furthermore, an Indian armed forces contingent, an Indian Navy warship, and the Indian Air Force’s Akash Ganga skydiving team will actively participate in the celebrations.
Notably, Modi described the strong people-to-people bond between both nations as a source of shared pride. He also expressed confidence that this visit would build on past achievements and take the relationship to new heights.
A Decade of Progress in India-Mauritius Ties
Over the past ten years, India and Mauritius have made significant progress in their bilateral relations. Modi pointed out that people-centric initiatives have played a crucial role in strengthening their partnership.
In addition, he reiterated India’s commitment to ensuring security and development in the Indian Ocean region. He emphasized the importance of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) in achieving this goal.
Importantly, Mauritius will celebrate its National Day on March 12, with Modi attending as the guest of honour.
India to Launch Over 20 Development Projects in Mauritius
During this visit, Modi will inaugurate more than 20 India-funded projects. These initiatives focus on capacity building and community infrastructure.
For instance, one major project is the Civil Services College, which India helped construct at a cost of USD 4.75 million. This project was initiated under an MoU signed in 2017.
Strong Trade and Economic Partnership
India and Mauritius continue to collaborate in key areas such as maritime security, development, and capacity building. Moreover, India has consistently supported several infrastructure and development projects in Mauritius.
In terms of trade, Mauritius remains one of India’s significant partners. In fact, during 2023-24, it ranked as the second-largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India, following Singapore.
Furthermore, in February 2021, both nations signed the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA). Notably, this was India’s first-ever trade agreement with an African nation. After nearly 15 years of negotiations, the deal was finally finalized, marking a major milestone in India-Mauritius economic relations.