India and Mauritius have strengthened their partnership through eight agreements, promoting cooperation in trade, maritime security, and development projects. Prime Minister Modi unveiled a new vision for the Global South, emphasizing strategic collaboration. This partnership is expected to enhance mutual support and promote economic growth, while ensuring regional stability amidst external challenges.
India and Mauritius have upgraded their relationship to an ‘enhanced strategic partnership’, formalized through the signing of eight agreements aimed at fostering cooperation in trade, maritime security, and additional sectors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while unveiling a visionary plan for the Global South, highlighted the importance of collaboration between the two nations during his recent visit to Port Louis.
The signed agreements facilitate the use of national currencies for cross-border transactions, share maritime data, combat money laundering, and enhance cooperation in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. During his engagement, Prime Minister Modi attended Mauritius’ national day celebrations as the chief guest, where he was joined by Indian armed forces and notable representations from the Indian Navy.
Discussions between PM Modi and Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam led to the introduction of a new vision for the Global South, referred to as “MAHASAGAR”, which stands for “Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions”. This vision seeks to promote stability in the Indian Ocean amid growing global concerns regarding influence expansion.
The Indian Prime Minister emphasized the mutual priority of ensuring a free and secure Indian Ocean, stating that defense cooperation is foundational to the strategic partnership. Modi made a commitment to assist in securing Mauritius’ Exclusive Economic Zone and to support the development of Mauritius’ police academy and maritime information sharing center.
He reiterated India’s commitment towards cooperating in projects that respect Mauritius’s sovereignty, particularly regarding the ongoing discussions about the Chagos Islands. These discussions aim for a mutually beneficial agreement between Mauritius and the UK, particularly concerning the UK’s proposed lease of military facilities.
PM Modi and Ramgoolam solidified their partnership, stating, “We are each other’s partners on the path of economic and social progress.” They acknowledged the mutual support during crises, including disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, reaffirming their collaboration across defense, education, health, and other sectors.
In addition to the strategic agreements, PM Modi announced further development projects in Mauritius, including modernizing water pipelines, launching new community development initiatives, and facilitating trade in local currencies. Furthermore, he underscored India’s contributions to infrastructure, healthcare, and public service within the nation, emphasizing the strong ties shared by people of Indian descent in Mauritius.
Lastly, PM Modi expressed a commitment to nurturing the people-to-people connection, promoting initiatives such as the Char Dham Yatra and the Ramayana trail in India for the Mauritian populace, thereby reinforcing the long-standing relationship between the two nations.
The recent elevation of ties between India and Mauritius to an ‘enhanced strategic partnership’ marks a significant step in fostering closer cooperation across various sectors, including security, trade, and infrastructure. The agreements established during this partnership, alongside PM Modi’s vision for the Global South, reflect India’s commitment to regional stability and development. The collaboration promises ongoing support and mutual benefits, thereby solidifying the historic and cultural ties shared by both countries.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
