India-Mauritius: Bilateral Trade in Local Currencies

Narendra Modi welcomed Navinchandra Ramgoolam, the Prime Minister of Mauritius, in his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi on Thursday, marking the beginning of an extraordinary chapter in the enduring friendship between the two nations. The two leaders greeted each other warmly with a firm handshake, symbolising a renewed spirit of partnership ahead of their much-anticipated bilateral talks.

The streets of Varanasi reverberated with the sound of drums and conch shells as Modi’s convoy entered the city around 11:30 AM. Locals, BJP leaders, and party workers lined up along the route, chanting “Har Har Mahadev,” waving both Indian and Mauritian flags, and showering flower petals to welcome the visiting dignitary. The vibrant atmosphere showcased the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual bonds that connect India and Mauritius.

Upon arriving at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Babatpur, Prime Minister Modi was received by Anandiben Patel, Governor of Uttar Pradesh, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He then proceeded to the Varanasi Police Lines before heading to Hotel Taj, the venue of his meeting with Prime Minister Ramgoolam.

India-Mauritius: Major Announcements – Economic Package and Key Projects

Following the bilateral discussions, Prime Minister Modi announced a comprehensive economic package for Mauritius, underscoring that “this package is not an assistance, it is an investment in our shared future.” Both leaders agreed to work towards enabling bilateral trade in local currencies to enhance financial cooperation.

The package aims to support Mauritius’ priorities by boosting infrastructure, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening healthcare facilities.

Key projects under grant assistance (approx. $215 million):

• Construction of the new Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital

• Establishment of an AYUSH Centre of Excellence

• Development of a veterinary school and animal hospital

• Provision of helicopters

Projects under grant-cum-Line of Credit assistance (approx. $440 million):

• Completion of the new Air Traffic Control tower at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport

• Development of Motorway M4

• Development of Ring Road Phase II

• Acquisition of port equipment by China Harbour Engineering Company Limited

Strategic Dialogue and Shared Vision

During their joint press briefing, Modi highlighted the shared aspirations of the two nations, saying, “India and Mauritius are two countries, but their dreams and destiny are one.” He stressed that a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indian Ocean is a common goal, affirming India’s commitment to enhancing the maritime security and capacity of Mauritius’ Exclusive Economic Zone.

“India has always stood as the first responder and a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region,” he added, reiterating New Delhi’s longstanding role in safeguarding regional stability.

India-Mauritius: Chagos Agreement – A Historic Moment

Prime Minister Modi also congratulated Ramgoolam and the people of Mauritius on the conclusion of the Chagos Islands agreement, calling it a “historic victory” for Mauritius’ sovereignty. He noted that India has consistently supported the decolonisation process and stood firmly by Mauritius in its pursuit of full recognition of sovereignty.

In May, the United Kingdom agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, to Mauritius after more than 50 years of British administration. Under the agreement, the UK will retain responsibility for the security of the strategically important Diego Garcia base.

Cultural Diplomacy and Civilizational Bonds

This meeting marked the first formal bilateral engagement hosted by Prime Minister Modi in Varanasi with a head of government. While Modi has previously welcomed global leaders like Emmanuel Macron and Shinzo Abe to the ancient city, those were not official bilateral meetings.

The choice of Varanasi as the venue underscores the civilizational connect and spiritual resonance shared between India and Mauritius. Ramgoolam, who arrived in the city on Wednesday, is scheduled to attend the sacred Ganga Aarti on Thursday evening and offer prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple on Friday morning before continuing his state visit to Ayodhya and Tirupati.

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