Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a significant conversation today with Mauritius’s Prime Minister Dr. Naeemchand Ramgoolam. During the discussion, both leaders emphasized the historical, special, and unique relationship between India and Mauritius.
New Delhi: On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Mauritius’s Prime Minister Dr. Naeemchand Ramgoolam over the phone. This conversation was not merely formal; it involved in-depth discussions on strengthening the multifaceted partnership between India and Mauritius. The dialogue encompassed various topics including the strengthening of bilateral relations, strategic cooperation, development cooperation, maritime security, and digital infrastructure. On this occasion, Prime Minister Modi also extended an invitation to his counterpart to visit India, which was gratefully accepted by Prime Minister Ramgoolam.
Both Leaders Expressed Mutual Commitment
During the conversation, Prime Minister Modi described the relationship between India and Mauritius as “special and unique,” stating that the partnership, built on trust and cooperation, needs to be further deepened. Prime Minister Ramgoolam concurred with this view, stating that India has always been a key partner in Mauritius’s development journey.
Prime Minister Modi also appreciated Prime Minister Ramgoolam’s participation in the 11th International Yoga Day and considered it a symbol of the acceptance of Indian culture on the global stage.
Discussion on Cooperation in Wide-ranging Areas
The key topics on which consensus was reached during the conversation included:
- Development Partnership and Capacity Building: India will continue to provide cooperation to Mauritius in areas such as technical assistance, skill development, and administrative reforms.
- Defense and Maritime Security: A commitment to joint efforts to maintain peace in the Indian Ocean region was reiterated. Special discussion took place on the agreement to share ‘White Shipping Information’.
- Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity: India will share its experiences of the Digital India campaign to strengthen Mauritius’s digital capabilities.
- People-to-People Contacts and Cultural Relations: Discussions took place on plans to promote cultural exchange and tourism between the two countries.
Reiteration of Historic Visit in March 2025
The conversation also touched upon Prime Minister Ramgoolam’s visit to India in March 2025, when he was to arrive as the chief guest on March 12th, coinciding with Mauritius’s National Day, on the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. During that time, many important agreements were signed between India and Mauritius, including:
- Promotion of INR-MUR currency trade
- Cooperation in the MSME sector
- Provision of a credit line facility from India to Mauritius
- Cooperation in good governance and administrative reforms
- Training partnership between foreign service institutions
- Marine science and data sharing
- India’s assistance in the construction of the Parliament building and water pipeline project in Mauritius
- All these agreements had given a new direction and strength to the strategic relations between the two countries.
Impact of ‘Vision Sagar’ and ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy
During the conversation, Prime Minister Modi highlighted Mauritius’s geographical and strategic position, referring to India’s ‘Vision Sagar’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. He also reiterated that India will provide every possible assistance in line with Mauritius’s development priorities.
At the conclusion of the conversation, Prime Minister Modi formally invited Dr. Ramgoolam to visit India, which he accepted. It is expected that he may visit India in the coming months and give shape to new agreements and plans for cooperation between the two countries.
