On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival in Mauritius, where he is set to attend the island nation’s National Day celebrations as the chief guest and engage in talks with its top leadership.
Modi was greeted at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport by his counterpart, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, who presented him with a garland. The welcome ceremony was attended by a distinguished group of 200 dignitaries, including the Deputy Prime Minister, the Chief Justice, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Leader of the Opposition, the Foreign Minister, Cabinet Secretary, Chairperson of the Grand Port District Council, and others.
During the visit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Ramgoolam, India and Mauritius are expected to sign several agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in areas such as capacity building, trade, and combating cross-border financial crimes. This marks Modi’s second visit to the African nation, a key maritime security partner for India. His last visit to Mauritius was in 2015, when he was the chief guest at the National Day event.
The Mauritius National Day, observed on March 12, is inspired by the day Mahatma Gandhi began his Dandi March during colonial India.
Ahead of his departure, Modi expressed his belief that his visit would usher in a “new and bright” chapter in bilateral relations between India and Mauritius.
During his stay, Modi will meet with the President of Mauritius, engage with the Prime Minister, and hold discussions with senior dignitaries and political leaders. He will also interact with members of the Indian community and inaugurate two projects funded by India: the Civil Service College and an Area Health Centre.
In his pre-departure statement, the Prime Minister emphasized his commitment to advancing the partnership between the two countries, stating his goal of strengthening the enduring friendship for the progress and prosperity of both nations.
A contingent of Indian armed forces will participate in the National Day celebrations, alongside an Indian Navy warship and the Akash Ganga skydiving team from the Indian Air Force.
Modi highlighted the strategic importance of Mauritius, describing it as a close maritime neighbor, a vital partner in the Indian Ocean, and a gateway to Africa. He noted the deep historical, geographical, and cultural ties between the two nations, underpinned by mutual trust, a shared belief in democratic values, and a celebration of diversity.
India is one of Mauritius’s largest trading partners. The close ties are further strengthened by the fact that Indian-origin people make up nearly 70% of the population of Mauritius, which has a population of around 1.2 million.
Before the visit, India reaffirmed its support for Mauritius in its efforts to negotiate a favorable deal with the UK over the Chagos Islands, a matter expected to be discussed during Modi’s talks with Prime Minister Ramgoolam.
In October 2024, the UK agreed to transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius following a historic agreement after more than 50 years.
