Reaffirming a shared vision for peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region and the Global South, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Navinchandra Ramgoolam held delegation-level talks in Varanasi on Thursday, where the two leaders comprehensively reviewed the Enhanced Strategic Partnership between their countries and explored new avenues of collaboration across key sectors.
Addressing a joint press meet, Modi said India and Mauritius are “not just partners but a family”, adding, “We may be two nations, but our dreams and destiny are one.” He announced a special economic package for Mauritius to support infrastructure development, employment generation, and healthcare facilities.
Modi said the first Jan Aushadhi Kendra outside India has been established in Mauritius and that India will support the construction of an AYUSH Centre of Excellence, a 500-bed Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital, and a Veterinary School and Animal Hospital. Projects like the Chagos Marine Protected Area, the new ATC tower at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, and the expansion of highways and ring roads will also be advanced under the package.
Calling the conclusion of the Chagos Archipelago agreement a “historic victory” for Mauritius’ sovereignty, Modi congratulated Ramgoolam and reiterated India’s consistent support for decolonisation and full recognition of Mauritius’ territorial rights.
Welcoming Ramgoolam to his parliamentary constituency, Modi said Kashi has long been a symbol of India’s civilisational heritage and that cultural ties between India and Mauritius run deep. He announced that IIT Madras and the Indian Institute of Plantation Management have signed agreements with the University of Mauritius to enhance cooperation in research, education, and innovation.
Modi said Mauritius is an important pillar of India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision Mahasagar, adding that both nations will work to enable trade in local currencies after successfully introducing UPI and RuPay cards in Mauritius last year. He also underlined India’s support for Mauritius’ energy transition and pledged to bolster security and maritime capacity in its Exclusive Economic Zone, stressing that a free, open, secure, and stable Indian Ocean is a shared priority.
