Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a two-day visit to Mauritius as the chief guest for its 57th national day. The visit will include signing various agreements aimed at enhancing economic and security relations, including infrastructure projects and cooperation against financial crimes. PM Modi’s participation illustrates the strong ties between India and Mauritius, with mutual interests in maritime security.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Mauritius for two days, beginning on Tuesday, to attend the island nation’s 57th national day celebrations as the chief guest. The visit aims to strengthen economic and security relations through various new agreements. In attendance will be a contingent of the Indian armed forces, the Indian Navy’s warship, and the Akash Ganga skydiving team from the Indian Air Force.
Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam expressed gratitude, stating, “It is indeed a singular privilege for our country to host such a distinguished personality… he has agreed to be here as our special guest.” He emphasized that PM Modi’s visit reflects the strong ties between the two nations.
Various Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed during the visit, enhancing cooperation in several areas. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri noted that a technical agreement regarding white shipping information will be finalized to foster collaboration in preventing illegal activities and improving maritime awareness.
Additionally, agreements will encompass capacity building, bilateral trade, tackling cross-border financial crimes, and the promotion of small and medium enterprises. An MoU regarding maritime zone management and ocean observation will also be established between the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services and Mauritius’s Prime Minister’s Office.
PM Modi will inaugurate a civil service college and a health centre financed by Indian grants. Moreover, India’s Enforcement Directorate and the Financial Crime Commission of Mauritius will sign an MoU aimed at combating financial crimes and enhancing intelligence cooperation against money laundering.
India’s historical relationship with Mauritius is notable, with approximately 70 percent of the island’s population being of Indian descent. Since 2005, India has consistently been one of Mauritius’s largest trading partners. For the fiscal year 2022-2023, Indian exports to Mauritius reached USD 462 million, while Mauritian exports were USD 91.50 million, resulting in a total trade volume of USD 554 million.
The trade partnership has expanded significantly, increasing by 132 percent over the last 17 years. Enhanced maritime security cooperation has emerged in the past decade, including support for the development of infrastructure on Agalega Island to monitor the country’s expansive exclusive economic zone.
Despite ongoing Chinese interests in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius remains a dedicated ally of India, collaborating on frameworks for marine observation and information management. Following the China-Mauritius Free Trade deal in February 2021, Mauritius reaffirmed its partnership with India through a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement. PM Modi’s previous announcement of the SAGAR doctrine during his 2015 visit highlighted India’s commitment to maritime cooperation in the region.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s impending visit to Mauritius is poised to solidify the longstanding ties between India and the island nation, focusing on economic growth and enhanced maritime security. With several agreements anticipated, the visit symbolizes the commitment of both nations to collaborate against financial crimes and strengthen partnerships in various sectors, reinforcing India’s role as a crucial development partner for Mauritius.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
