A Timeless Partnership
India and Mauritius share a deep-rooted relationship built on historical, cultural, and economic ties. The connection dates back to the 19th century when Indian indentured laborers were brought to the island, laying the foundation of a shared heritage. Over the years, this relationship has strengthened through trade, infrastructure development, and people-to-people ties. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a two-day State visit to Mauritius, the visit symbolizes India’s continued commitment to fostering a strong and strategic partnership with the island nation.
PM Modi’s Arrival and Warm Reception
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Mauritius on Monday morning for his two-day visit. Upon arrival, he was accorded a ceremonial welcome by Mauritius’ Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, who personally received him at the airport. Members of the Indian community gathered in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the visiting leader, reflecting the strong emotional bond between the two nations.
A special highlight of his arrival was the traditional Bihari welcome, where Geet Gawai singers performed a Swagat Gaan (welcome song) in Port Louis. Geet Gawai, a Bhojpuri musical tradition brought by Indian indentured laborers in the 19th century, holds immense cultural significance in Mauritius and was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations and Cooperation
During his visit, PM Modi is set to participate in Mauritius’ National Day celebrations on March 12 as the Chief Guest. He will also hold high-level discussions with President Dharam Gokhool and Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam. These meetings are expected to strengthen diplomatic ties and explore new avenues of collaboration in various sectors such as trade, governance, and infrastructure development.
In a post on X, PM Modi expressed his enthusiasm about the visit, stating, “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.”
India-Funded Development Projects
A key highlight of PM Modi’s visit is the inauguration of over 20 India-funded projects across Mauritius. These initiatives span multiple sectors, focusing on infrastructure development, healthcare, and governance. Among the significant projects to be inaugurated are:
Civil Services College Building: Constructed at a cost of USD 4.75 million, this institution will enhance governance and institutional capacity in Mauritius. The foundation for this collaboration was laid in 2017 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Area Health Centre and 20 Community Projects: These initiatives, collectively valued at around Rs 7 crore, aim to improve local healthcare, sports, and community development infrastructure.
Major Infrastructure Announcements: PM Modi is expected to unveil new large-scale projects to further bolster democratic institutions and economic growth in Mauritius.
Economic and Trade Partnerships
India has been a crucial economic partner for Mauritius, emerging as one of its largest trading allies. In 2023-24, Mauritius was the second-largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India, following Singapore. The two nations signed the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) in February 2021 after 15 years of negotiations, marking a significant milestone in their trade relations.
Additionally, in January 2022, India and Mauritius signed an MoU to implement 96 community development projects across the island, of which 51 have already been inaugurated. India’s support also extends to large-scale infrastructure initiatives:
- A USD 353 million Special Economic Package granted in 2016 for key projects, including the Metro Express Project, Supreme Court Building, New ENT Hospital, Social Housing Project, and digital tablets for students.
- A USD 500 million Line of Credit in 2017 for financing projects such as Phase I and II of the Metro Project, Social Housing, solar power development, forensic science laboratories, and Mauritius Police Academy.
A Promising Future for India-Mauritius Relations
PM Modi’s visit to Mauritius signifies a new chapter in the long-standing friendship between the two nations. With India’s continued support in governance, infrastructure, and economic development, Mauritius is poised to witness transformative growth. The shared cultural heritage, trade partnerships, and collaborative projects further cement the bond between the two countries. Looking ahead, the India-Mauritius relationship is set to flourish, ensuring mutual progress and prosperity for both nations.
(With inputs from agencies)
