On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received his Mauritian counterpart, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, in his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, restating the rich cultures, history, and strategic relationships between the two countries. During a common press conference, Modi referred to India and Mauritius as not only partners, but a family, saying India and Mauritius are two nations, but one dream and one destiny together.
Emphasizing the fact that Varanasi was used as a civilizational and cultural center, Modi stated that Indian traditions arrived in Mauritius hundreds of years ago and fill its cultural space with life. He also remembered that he attended the National Day festivities of Mauritius in March, during which both leaders had committed themselves to intensifying bilateral cooperation and harmonizing the region and the world agenda.
Through the negotiations, Modi announced that India had signed to contribute to some of the major development projects in Mauritius. These will be the building of an AYUSH Centre of Excellence, a 500-bed Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital, and a hospital veterinary school. He explained that the Indian assistance was not to be viewed as an aid but as an investment in a common future.
In trade and economic cooperation, Modi emphasised working towards allowing trade in local currencies. He also emphasized energy security as being one of the pillars of the partnership, where India is supporting the transition of energy in Mauritius. India has already dispatched 10 of the 100 electric buses they each committed to provide, and both nations have signed a memorandum on the construction of a 17.5 MW floating solar power station at Tamarind Falls.
Modi also emphasized the role played by India in human resource development, in that over 5,000 Mauritians have been trained in India, and the first 500 Mauritian civil servants are currently training in Mussoorie.
On maritime security, Modi reiterated the Indian resolve to have a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indian Ocean and assured a sustained and increased assistance to Mauritius in advancing its maritime capability.
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