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Mauritius 1998: When PM Modi Spoke at Ramayana Conference & Visited Ganga Talao

March 11, 2025, 1:02 pm

While Port Louis paints itself red with flags and posters to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi, glimpses of his October 1998 visit to Mauritius have cropped up. The then BJP National General Secretary had visited the island nation to speak at the International Ramayana Conference in Moka.

Mauritius holds a special connection with India, as a significant portion of its population traces its roots back to India. “As PM Modi revisits Mauritius, it feels like a homecoming to Mini India,” stated the X handle Modi Archive.

PM Modi’s 1998 Mauritius Visit: Strengthening Cultural Ties

On his 1998 tour, Modi stressed the common history, language, and cultural affinity between India and Mauritius. Addressing the International Ramayana Conference, he underscored the universal lessons of Lord Ram and how the Ramayana serves as a bridge binding both countries together.

Modi also met with important Mauritian leaders, such as then-President Cassam Uteem, Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, and Leader of the Opposition Sir Anerood Jugnauth. His visit was not just about official meetings. He toured Mauritius, bonding with its people and history, and visited the holy Ganga Talao, where Hindu practices flourish outside India.

The Modi Archive blog added, “PM Modi’s 1998 visit was not limited to official meetings. He took the time to understand the land, its history, and its people and also visited the sacred Ganga Talao, where he witnessed how Hindu traditions continue to thrive outside India.”

Returning to Sacred and Historical Places in Mauritius

While visiting, Modi honored Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the Father of the Nation, at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden. He also ventured to explore the natural marvels of Mauritius, such as the Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel and the Chamarel Waterfall.

Seventeen years had passed when, in 2015, Modi again visited Mauritius, where he stood at Ganga Talao and paid his respects to Maa Ganga. In his 2015 Mauritius National Day speech, he stated, “Brothers and sisters, to know whether a mango crop is good, one does not need to check every single fruit. Just tasting one or two is enough to understand the quality of the entire harvest. Similarly, if the world looks at Mauritius, they can see a glimpse of what India is like. What will the people of India be like? If the sample is so extraordinary, imagine the greatness of the entire nation!”

PM Modi’s 2024 Visit: Strengthening Bilateral Ties

PM Modi is now set for a two-day visit to Mauritius, this time as India’s Prime Minister. He will be the chief guest at the island nation’s 57th National Day celebrations. A contingent of Indian armed forces, an Indian Navy warship, and the Akash Ganga skydiving team of the Indian Air Force will participate in the event.

On this visit, he will once again go to the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden to pay tribute to the deceased leader. He will also greet the new President of Mauritius, Dharambeer Gokhool, and engage in bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Ramgoolam. There will be other political meetings as well.

New Agreements and Infrastructure Projects

India and Mauritius will sign a number of agreements to boost bilateral ties. PM Modi will also open more than 20 India-funded projects aimed at capacity building and community-associated infrastructure. He will also launch new major infrastructure projects with a view to deepening democracy in the Southeast African island nation.

With a legacy of fostering deep-rooted cultural and diplomatic ties, PM Modi’s visit marks yet another chapter in the enduring friendship between India and Mauritius.

Mauritius Braces For Cyclone Garance As Fierce Winds Force Airport Shutdown

February 27, 2025, 12:27 am

Mauritius will shut down its only airport from Wednesday evening until further notice after the country’s meteorological services issued a Class III cyclone warning the summer season’s first.

Severe Tropical Storm Garance, currently off the northwestern coast of the island, will develop into a tropical cyclone with a chance of 165-kilometer (102-mile) per hour wind speed. The storm has been announced to be directly threatening the nation by the authorities.

As a precautionary measure, the banks, the stock exchange, and offices providing non-essential services will be closed. Since Wednesday itself is a holiday, these buildings will not be opened if the warning for the cyclone remains in effect.

Mauritius also has been experiencing abnormally dry conditions. While January is typically one of the wettest months, this year was the second-driest January since 25 years ago, with only 30% of the long-term average precipitation. The resulting decline in water levels in major reservoirs led the government to impose measures to limit non-essential water use.

Authorities are still closely monitoring the situation, advising citizens to exercise proper caution as Cyclone Garance is strengthening.

PM Modi to Attend Mauritius’ National Day as Guest of Honour

February 22, 2025, 1:32 pm

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the guest of honour at Mauritius’ National Day celebrations on March 12, as announced by Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam. He described Modi’s participation as a testament to the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.

Speaking to the National Assembly on Friday, Ramgoolam reflected on the privilege of his nation to have received such an esteemed leader with his busy itinerary. “Within the context of the celebrations for the 57th anniversary of the Independence of our nation, I have much pleasure in announcing to the House, that following an invitation issued by me, His Excellency, Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, has graciously consented to be our guest of honour at the celebration of our National Day,” he declared.

Mauritius celebrates its National Day annually on March 12, marking its independence from British rule in 1968.

Highlighting Modi’s packed diplomatic calendar, Ramgoolam referenced the Indian leader’s recent visits to Paris and the United States. “The visit of Shri Modi is a testimony of the close relations between our two nations,” he added.

Last year, Indian President Droupadi Murmu attended Mauritius’ National Day celebrations as the chief guest.

Chagos Islands Deal In Jeopardy As Mauritius Pushes Back On UK Agreement Terms

December 18, 2024, 2:28 am

UK has reacted to claims that a proposed deal with Mauritius about the Chagos Islands has been jeopardized by fresh words from the newly-elected Mauritian Prime Minister concerning the agreement. The recently agreed-upon deal that was concluded in October would see control of the Chagos Islands transferred to the Mauritian government, whereas the UK would retain custody of the strategic Diego Garcia military base for at least 99 years.

Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who won the post-election election, returned to the post of prime minister and instructed the review of the agreement signed by his predecessor, Pravind Jugnauth. During a speech in the Mauritian parliament on Tuesday, Ramgoolam said that better terms were indeed sought when Mauritius had negotiated with India. He said the present agreement did not benefit the country.

Ramgoolam also said that Mauritius remained receptive to an agreement, and that the draft presented subsequent to the elections did not meet expectations, and instead, Mauritius submitted to the UK their counterproposals of which ones were recently received and the latter is undergoing consideration.

In response to concerns that the change in leadership in Mauritius was a reason for renegotiating terms of the deal, a UK Labour leader Keir Starmer’s spokesperson said the situation was normal and added that the UK government position on the deal had not changed. The spokesperson further elaborated that the agreement is essential for the long-term operation of the UK-US base on Diego Garcia as it plays an important role in regional and global security.

The Conservative opposition in the UK has criticized the deal, arguing it could undermine sovereignty and allow China to increase its influence in the region. There are also concerns in the US, with figures like Marco Rubio expressing opposition, citing the potential security risks of ceding the islands to Mauritius. The Biden administration, however, is on record as supporting the agreement.

Indian Navy Enhances Ties with Mauritius In 15th Training Program

November 30, 2024, 4:40 am

The Indian Navy is currently in Mauritius for the 15th edition of the annual training program aimed at enhancing interoperability between the Indian and Mauritian Armed Forces. This special training initiative is focused on improving maritime security and operational coordination between the two nations.

Key Highlights of the Training Program:

The Indian Navy Marine Commando and Diving Mobile Training Team (MTT) are conducting the Special Forces and Diving Refresher Camp, a program specifically designed to enhance the maritime capabilities of the Mauritius Police Force. The training is aimed at equipping the Mauritius Police with the skills required to undertake Maritime Special Operations and Salvage at Sea.

Strengthening India-Mauritius Defense Ties:

India and Mauritius share a longstanding, strategic relationship that dates back to 1948 when India was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Mauritius. Over the years, this partnership has flourished, particularly in the areas of maritime security, development cooperation, and capacity-building.

Diplomatic Engagements:

India’s ties with Mauritius are characterized by high-level political engagement and trust. This cooperation is further exemplified by several India-assisted development projects in Mauritius, including the Indian Cultural Centre, the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, and the World Hindi Secretariat, which play a significant role in strengthening people-to-people and cultural ties.

Recent Political Developments:

Following the recent elections in Mauritius, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Navin Ramgoolam on his historic victory and expressed his eagerness to work closely with the new leadership to continue strengthening the special partnership between the two countries.

Through initiatives like the annual training program, India continues to play a key role in enhancing the maritime security capabilities of Mauritius, solidifying the nations’ defense and strategic cooperation.

Scandal Erupts: Mauritius Accused Of Wire-Tapping Politicians And Diplomats Phones

October 25, 2024, 1:16 pm

Mauritius is engulfed in a wire-tapping scandal just weeks before its general elections, scheduled for November 10. Reports indicate that phone calls of politicians, journalists, civil society members, and even foreign diplomats have been recorded and leaked online this month, raising significant concerns about privacy and safety.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has revealed that five prominent journalists were among those targeted and has called for an independent investigation into the matter. In a statement released on Thursday, RSF emphasized the serious implications of eavesdropping on journalists and the potential risks to their safety and the confidentiality of their sources. The organization expressed alarm over the widespread nature of the wiretapping, particularly as Mauritius approaches its legislative elections.

As the nation prepares to vote, Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and police officials have claimed that the leaked conversations were manipulated using artificial intelligence. However, the affected journalists have verified the authenticity of the calls. Nawaz Noorbux, news director of private radio station Radio Plus, criticized the authorities for using the AI argument as a smokescreen, suggesting they are trying to deflect embarrassment over the issue.

In response to the allegations, Mauritius Telecom issued a statement asserting that the company does not engage in intercepting, monitoring, or manipulating communications in any way.

In the upcoming election, Jugnauth’s ruling Militant Socialist Movement aims to maintain its majority in the National Assembly and secure the Prime Minister another five-year term. Jugnauth assumed the premiership from his father in 2017 without a vote and subsequently led his coalition to victory in the 2019 elections.

Mauritius Vice President Marie Cyril Eddy Boissezon Arrives In Delhi For CII India-Africa Conclave

August 20, 2024, 4:45 pm

Mauritius Vice President Marie Cyril Eddy Boissezon arrived in New Delhi on Monday to attend the 19th CII India-Africa Business Conclave. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), warmly welcomed him and noted that the visit represents another important step in the “time-tested and enduring ties” between the two countries.

In a post on X, Randhir Jaiswal stated, “Welcome to India! VP Marie Cyril Eddy Boissezon of Mauritius arrives in New Delhi to participate in the 19th CII India-Africa Business Conclave! The visit marks another significant milestone in the time-tested & enduring India – Mauritius ties.”

The 19th CII India-Africa Business Conclave will take place in New Delhi from August 20-22. This edition of the conclave aims to promote Africa’s growth and highlight the role of the India-Africa partnership in integrating regional and global value chains.

India continues to be the fastest-growing major economy, driven by favourable demographics, improving institutional strength, and better governance. As of the finance ministry’s January 2024 economic review, India is the fifth largest economy, with an estimated GDP of $3.7 trillion for FY24, despite challenges from the pandemic and past macroeconomic imbalances and financial sector issues.

In June, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar remarked that Africa is experiencing rapid transformations, evolving from the cradle of human civilisation to a land of future opportunities. He emphasised that India views Africa as a ‘natural partner’ based on trust and mutual respect.

During his speech at the Africa Day celebrations in the national capital, Jaishankar highlighted that India-Africa relations are “deep-rooted,” and emphasised that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has redefined India’s approach to engagement with Africa.

“Africa, we all know, is today undergoing very rapid changes. These span the range from being the cradle of human civilisation to becoming the land of the future. It is a continent with the youngest demographies, one with vast natural resources, expanding capabilities, growing markets and most of all, rising ambitions,” Jaishankar had said.

“India, the most populous country in the world and currently the fifth largest economy, looks at Africa as a natural partner. Anchored in trust and mutual respect, it is focused now on value addition within Africa, with production, research, localisation and local employment,” he added.

Long Weekend Travel Guide: Explore These 8 Stunning Countries with Visa-On-Arrival Options

August 14, 2024, 4:48 am

Planning a last-minute trip can be challenging, particularly when navigating visa requirements for destinations in the Americas and Europe. However, for this long weekend, you can still explore captivating countries that offer visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry for Indian nationals. As of July 3, 2024, the Passport Index lists 43 countries that provide visa-on-arrival facilities for Indian passport holders, and an additional 26 countries allow visa-free travel. With just a few documents, a travel and health insurance, and the right preparations, you can embark on an unforgettable journey.

Here’s a quick guide to 8 accessible countries where you can easily visit with visa-on-arrival or visa-free options:

Mauritius:

Visa Information: Indian nationals can obtain a visa on arrival for up to 60 days without any visa fees.
Flight Time: Direct flights from Delhi to Port Louis take about 7.5 hours.
Things to Do: Explore cultural sites like Apravasi Ghat and the Sugar Museum, enjoy nature at Black River Gorges and the Chamarel Mountains, visit the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens, and discover the unique wildlife on Île aux Aigrettes. Don’t miss the local market in Port Louis and try the local Creole cuisine.

Seychelles:

Visa Information: Indians do not require a visa; instead, a 30-day visitor’s permit is granted upon arrival.
Flight Time: Direct flights from Mumbai to Mahé take around 4 hours and 20 minutes.
Things to Do: Relax on stunning beaches like Anse Source d’Argent and Beau Vallon, visit Vallée de Mai on Praslin, and explore the Sainte Anne Marine Park. Enjoy a walking tour of Mahé and visit various picturesque beaches such as Anse Lazio and Anse Intendance.

Vietnam:

Visa Information: Indian nationals can obtain a visa on arrival by completing an online application, paying a processing fee, and receiving an approval letter via email (usually within 1 hour to 2 days).
Flight Time: Direct flights from Delhi take about 5 hours; from Mumbai, it’s 4.5 hours; from Kolkata, it’s 2.5 hours.
Things to Do: In Ho Chi Minh City, visit the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Cu Chi Tunnels. Explore the Reunification Palace, Saigon Central Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market for a rich cultural experience.

Sri Lanka:

Visa Information: Obtain a double-entry visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
Flight Time: Direct flights from Mumbai to Colombo are approximately 4.5 hours.
Things to Do: In Colombo, visit the National Museum, explore the Dutch Hospital Precinct, and sample local dishes like Watalappan. Take day trips to landmarks such as Galle, Sigiriya Lion’s Rock Fortress, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya.

Qatar:

Visa Information: Obtain a visa on arrival for up to 30 days with a hotel reservation made through the Discover Qatar website.
Flight Time: Direct flights from Mumbai to Doha take about 3.4 hours.
Things to Do: In Doha, explore Souq Waqif, the Museum of Islamic Art, and the Katara Cultural Village. Enjoy leisure activities at Banana Island Resort and the Corniche, visit the Pearl Monument, and tour the Imam Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Wahhab Mosque.

Thailand:

Visa Information: Obtain a visa on arrival by presenting a valid passport, application form, recent photos, hotel confirmation, and proof of financial means.
Flight Time: Direct flights from Mumbai to Thailand are approximately 4.25 hours.
Things to Do: In Bangkok, visit attractions like the Grand Palace, Jim Thompson House, and Lumphini Park. Enjoy shopping at the Chatuchak Weekend Market and explore islands like Phuket, Pattaya, or Koh Samui.

Indonesia:

Visa Information: Obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
Flight Time: Direct flights from Mumbai to Jakarta take around 6.4 hours.
Things to Do: In Bali, visit the Tegalalang Rice Fields, Bali Swing, and Ubud Traditional Art Market. Explore Mount Batur, Pura Lempuyang, and Sababay Winery. In Jakarta, explore Old Jakarta, Merdeka Square, and the Thousand Islands.

Jordan:

Visa Information: Obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 15 days.
Flight Time: Flights from Mumbai to Amman take about 8 hours, with no direct flights available.
Things to Do: Enjoy diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea, visit the Lost City of Petra, and explore the Baptism Site. Relax in the Dead Sea, tour Mount Nebo, and visit the ancient cities of Jerash and Madaba.

With these options, you can easily plan a memorable getaway without the stress of complex visa procedures. Happy travels!

EAM Jaishankar Opens India’s First International Jan Aushadi Kendra In Mauritius

July 18, 2024, 5:05 am

To further strengthen the relationship between the two nations, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has opened India’s first overseas Jan Aushadi Kendra in Mauritius. Jaishankar, along with Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, inaugurated the center on Wednesday.

“Delighted to inaugurate along with Prime Minister @KumarJugnauth the first overseas Jan Aushadi Kendra in Mauritius. This Aushadi Kendra is the delivery of the promise made by PM @narendramodi earlier this year,” Jaishankar wrote in a post on X.

“The health partnership project will supply cost-effective, Made-in-India medicines to augment public healthcare and enhance well-being,” he added.

Delighted to inaugurate along with Prime Minister @KumarJugnauth the first overseas Jan Aushadi Kendra in Mauritius. This Aushadi Kendra is the delivery of the promise made by PM @narendramodi earlier this year.

The ?? ?? health partnership project will supply cost effective,… pic.twitter.com/QvqGZzAt6o

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 17, 2024

Earlier on Wednesday, Jaishankar also inaugurated the Mediclinic project at Grand Bois in Mauritius, funded by an Indian grant. He described it as the ‘newest expression of friendship’ between the two nations. During his speech at the inauguration, Jaishankar mentioned that the project will offer secondary healthcare to 16,000 residents in the Grand Bois area.

“It was described as the newest expression of our friendship and it will provide secondary healthcare for 16000 people in the Grand Pois area, and we feel very proud to be a partner in this collaboration,” he said.

Jaishankar expressed pride, stating that health is a priority and that everyone has become more health-conscious.

“We worry about things rightly. But we also believe–all of us believe–that health is our right. And right today, every government has a duty to deliver. And for me, to be part of such an important delivery event is something which is a matter of great satisfaction,” he said.

Highlighting other projects India has completed in Mauritius, Jaishankar noted that these initiatives reflect the strong relationship between the two nations.

“Many of the flagship projects we have done in Mauritius have been really expressions of our affection, of our relationship, of our family linkages and everyone of you in some form is associated with it, benefitted from it…,” he said.

He stated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has firmly committed to people-centric policies.

“Sometimes, there can be small steps, little projects, but to the community, they can make a very big difference. In this community for example, its entire health needs will change after this clinic comes up,” the minister said.

On Tuesday, Jaishankar arrived in Mauritius for a two-day official visit. He expressed gratitude to Mauritius Foreign Minister Maneesh Gobin for the warm welcome and looked forward to fruitful discussions to advance the special relationship between the two countries.

India Support Mauritius In Chagos Archipelago Dispute With UK

July 17, 2024, 3:49 pm

India on Tuesday reaffirmed its support for Mauritius in the ongoing sovereignty dispute with the United Kingdom over the Chagos archipelago in the Indian Ocean.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Mauritius, held wide-ranging talks with the country’s leadership to strengthen bilateral ties. During his visit, Jaishankar reiterated India’s steadfast support for Mauritius on the issue of Chagos.

“I would like to again assure you today that on the issue of Chagos, India will continue its consistent support to Mauritius in line with its principal stand on decolonisation and support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations,” Jaishankar stated.

The Chagos Islands, which include the strategically important US airbase of Diego Garcia, have been administered as part of the British Indian Ocean Territory. However, Mauritius has long disputed this arrangement, demanding its rights over the islands. The dispute has been ongoing for decades.

The Chagos dispute centers around the archipelago in the Indian Ocean, which Britain claimed along with Mauritius in 1814. In 1966, Britain leased Diego Garcia, the largest of the Chagos Islands, to the United States, which was seeking a military base in the region. This move led to the forced removal of approximately 2,000 Chagossians in the 1960s and 1970s, who were relocated to Mauritius and the Seychelles, hundreds of miles away.

The Chagossians, mostly descendants of African slaves brought to the islands in the 18th century, have since been engaged in a prolonged legal battle for the right to return to their homeland. Despite several British court rulings in their favor, Britain’s highest court overturned these decisions in 2008, citing security concerns due to the American military presence on Diego Garcia, a critical base during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.

Mauritius, which gained independence from Britain in 1968, has consistently maintained its claim over the Chagos Islands. Former Mauritian President Anerood Jugnauth had emphasised that the separation of Chagos from Mauritius was against United Nations resolutions and represented a grave injustice to the country.

In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) dismissed the UK’s right to govern the Chagos Islands and called on the British government to withdraw from the archipelago.

Jaishankar’s reaffirmation of support highlights India’s commitment to decolonisation and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, aligning with international calls for the resolution of the Chagos dispute in favour of Mauritius.

Who’s Joining Modi’s Third Term Oath Ceremony? Neighboring Leaders Unite

June 9, 2024, 10:08 am

Neighboring leaders from neighboring nations and the Indian Ocean region are poised to gather as distinguished guests at the eagerly awaited ceremony where BJP leader Narendra Modi will take oath as India’s Prime Minister on Sunday evening. This marks Modi’s third consecutive term, a feat equaling that of Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister.”

The presence of leaders from Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Nepal, and Bhutan underscores India’s unwavering commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the visionary ‘SAGAR’ initiative. Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina and Vice President of Seychelles, Ahmed Afif arrived yesterday, while others are expected to arrive today.

Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony, scheduled for 7:15 pm, carries significant diplomatic weight, emphasizing India’s strategic partnerships in the region. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the event’s importance, affirming its alignment with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘SAGAR’ vision.

After the ceremony, President Droupadi Murmu will host a banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan for the dignitaries. Despite speculations regarding the venue, the oath-taking ceremony will take place at Rashtrapati Bhavan due to ongoing weather conditions.

Over 8,000 guests, including laborers, lawyers, doctors, artists, cultural performers, and influencers, are expected to attend, showcasing India’s diverse social fabric. The event necessitated extensive preparations, including deployment of 1,100 traffic police personnel to manage traffic movement.

PM Modi’s invitations to neighboring leaders reflect India’s ongoing efforts to foster regional cooperation. Before the ceremony, PM Modi met President Droupadi Murmu to stake his claim to form the NDA government under his leadership, which was formally endorsed by crucial allies like the Telugu Desam Party and the Janata Dal.

The NDA holds a strong position in the Lok Sabha, commanding 293 MPs out of 543, with the BJP securing the largest share of 240 seats. This inauguration is attended by leaders like Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, who arrived today, expressing his commitment to strengthen bilateral ties with India.

President Muizzu’s visit marks his first official trip to India since assuming office, underscoring the importance of India-Maldives relations. Other foreign leaders attending include those from Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Nepal, and Bhutan, symbolizing the regional significance of Modi’s third term inauguration.

The ceremony represents not only a milestone in Indian politics but also a testament to India’s enduring commitment to fostering strong ties with its neighbors and promoting regional stability and prosperity.

Ram Temple opening: Shrine in Mauritius will organize chanting of Ramayana verses starting on Makar Sankranti

January 14, 2024, 10:54 am

Day after the Mauritian cabinet announced a mandatory 2-hour break for Hindus working in public offices to enable them to attend local events being organised ahead of the opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, it has now been learnt that temples in the island country will organise chanting of verses from the epic ‘Ramayana’ ahead of the grand event in India.
The president of the Mauritius Sanatan Dharm Temples Federation, Bhojraj Ghoorbin, said all temples in the Hindu-majority country will organise the chanting of verses from ‘Ramayana’ as part of events marking the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya on January 22.

“Across Mauritius, all our Hindu brothers and sisters are in a celebratory mood these days. From Makar Sankranti on January 15, all our temples will hold the chanting of verses from Ramayana. On January 22, when Lord Ram will be enthroned at the grand temple in Ayodhya, we will hold celebrations similar to Diwali. The Festival of Lights will be celebrated twice in Diwali this year,” Ghoorbin told ANI.
“The first Diwali would be celebrated across the country on January 22 while the second would mark the actual celebration of the Festival of Lights on October 31. After 500 years of Vanwas (exile), Prabhu Shri Ram is coming to Ayodhya and our celebrations would be unbridled and unprecedented,” he added.
Ghoorbin added that a day before the inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, a cultural programme will be organised. Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth will attend the event as the chief guest, he added.

Colombo Security Conclave: India, Mauritius, Sri Lanka participates in 6th NSA-level meeting

December 7, 2023, 5:35 pm

Participating in the 6th NSA-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) in Mauritius on Thursday were the national security advisers of Bangladesh, India, and Mauritius, along with delegates from the Seychelles. NSA Ajit Doval, in his statement, emphasised the crucial role of the CSC in ensuring regional security, stability and highlighted the significance of continued engagements under the different pillars of cooperation. India’s High Commission to Mauritius wrote on ‘X’ that the members also agreed upon a Roadmap of Activities for 2024.

NSA Doval arrived in Mauritius on Wednesday to participate in the 6th NSA-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave.

The Colombo Security Conclave comprises India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. The Maldives hosted the fifth Colombo Security Conclave meeting at the level of National Security Advisors on May 9 of last year. According to sources, the NSAs talked about the importance of close cooperation between member and observer countries in maritime safety and security as well as countering terrorism and radicalization. Mauritiuswasaddedasthefourthmembertothemeeting. Bangladesh and Seychelles participated as observers.

As maritime nations as well as close maritime neighbours, NSAs agreed that they play the role of the first responders for the region.
NSA Doval, in a statement, called for strengthening cooperation amongst maritime neighbours to address shared security challenges and as first responders.