Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi welcomed Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. This meeting of both the prime ministers served as bilateral ties between them in the cultural city of Varanasi. PM Ramgoolam had arrived in India on September 9 for his one week visit. The streets of Varanasi were filled with local citizens who were lined to welcome PM Ramgoolam. This created a vibrant and enthusiastic environment of the city with flags of both the nations flying high. PM Ramgoolam was welcomed at the airport by Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath and Governor of the state, Anandiben Patel. This meeting and visit of PM Ramgoolam serves as a significant move towards a journey of happiness and sustainability for both the nations; India and Mauritius.
Building a strong foundation
PM Modi visited Mauritius in March 2025 to strengthen the ties between the nations and now the Varanasi Summit of PM Ramgoolam will also focus on developing a strong partnership between both the nations. Both the PMs Now aim to expand their collaboration to a higher spectrum and focus on other sectors namely health, education, science and technology. They will also discuss their collaboration in the new rising domains such as renewable energy, digital public infrastructure and blue economy. Further, the visit of PM Ramgoolam will also present the cultural and spiritual side of India with deep rooted civilization.
Why the partnership matters?
The growing bond between India and Mauritius will prove to be significant for the Indian Ocean region. Mauritius is a crucial partner in India’s ‘Neighborhood first’ policy and the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region) project. This meeting in Varanasi will represent a major step by both the nations in their shared journey towards mutual prosperity and a stable future of both the nation. After the bilateral meeting, the government of India and Mauritius has altogether approved of the following projects:
- AYUSH centre of Excellence
- Veterinary School and animal hospital
- Provision of Helicopters
- New Sit Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital
Further the PMs have also agreed on redeveloping the port of Mauritius and assistance in development of Chagos Marine Protected Area. The government of India will also provide budgetary support to the nation in the coming financial year. PM Modi congratulated PM Ramgoolam for diplomatic achievement regarding the Chagos islands over the UK. India has constantly supported this cause and it was always against colonization and aligned its principles with the international law.
The local currency trade announcement
India and Mauritius will also begin local currency trading as announced by PM Modi on Thursday. This will strengthen the financial and economic ties between the nations. After the launch of UPI in Mauritius, the local currency trade will help simplify the transactions between the businesses and locals of the both nations.
Celebrating cultural connections
Moving beyond politics and economics, the leaders will also celebrate the cultural and spiritual legacy of India together. The Mauritian Prime Minister will take part in the Ganga Aarti ceremony and will also visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Since both the nations have a relationship like that of a family, their bonds are deepened with a common dream and future for both the nations. The visit of PM Ramgoolam and his participation in cultural activities of India is underscored by the deep historical and spiritual bond of the nations.
What’s next on the agenda?
Following the productive and fruitful talks in Varanasi, PM Ramgoolam will continue his visit to India and will visit other spiritually significant cities of India namely, Ayodhya and Tirupati. Meanwhile, PM Modi will travel to Dehradun to take an aerial visit of the flood-struck areas of Uttarakhand. PM Modi will then address the urgent situation in Uttarakhand.
The current collaboration between India and Mauritius highlights the unique and special bond between both the nations. Built on a shared history, mutual respect and vision for a common collaborative future, the leaders of both the nations aim to strengthen their nations with a strategic and familial bond.
