PM Modi’s Visit to Mauritius: Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Maritime Security
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Mauritius for two days to commemorate the nation’s 57th national day and strengthen bilateral ties through multiple agreements. Key discussions will focus on maritime security, combating financial crimes, and enhancing trade relations. India’s longstanding cooperation with Mauritius is vital in regional stability, reflecting a shared commitment to development and security.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Mauritius for two days beginning Tuesday, where he will be the chief guest at the nation’s 57th national day celebrations. During this visit, India and Mauritius will formalize a variety of agreements aimed at strengthening both economic and security cooperation. Additionally, Indian armed forces, including a naval warship and the Akash Ganga skydiving team, will participate in the upcoming celebrations.
Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam expressed gratitude for PM Modi’s visit, acknowledging the significance of hosting such a distinguished leader despite his demanding schedule. Mr. Ramgoolam remarked that Modi’s presence underscores the robust relationship shared between the two nations.
Among the key activities planned, the exchange of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will occur, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stating that a technical agreement on white shipping information exchange will be signed. This initiative will enhance collaboration in preventing unlawful activities and augmenting Mauritius’ maritime domain awareness.
Furthermore, agreements will be established concerning capacity building, bilateral trade relations, addressing financial crimes, and the promotion of small and medium enterprises. A notable MoU between the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services and the Mauritius Prime Minister’s Office will facilitate better maritime zone management and ocean observation efforts.
Additionally, PM Modi will attend the inauguration of a civil service college and a health center funded through Indian grants. An MoU focused on combating financial crimes between India’s Enforcement Directorate and the Financial Crime Commission of Mauritius will also be finalized during the visit, aimed at fostering cooperation to mitigate money laundering and connected crimes.
Recognizing Mauritius as a significant maritime neighbor, Foreign Secretary Misri emphasized India’s longstanding role as a primary development partner for the island nation. The bilateral ties have deepened due to the substantial Indian-origin population in Mauritius, with numbers reaching approximately 70% of its 1.2 million citizens.
Since 2005, India has been a leading trading partner, with exports totaling USD 462 million in the fiscal year 2022-2023 and a total trade volume of USD 554 million. This represents a remarkable 132 percent growth in trade over the past 17 years.
Cooperation in maritime security has notably progressed, with India assisting in enhancing Mauritius’ ability to monitor its expansive exclusive economic zone. Following a visit by India’s Foreign Minister last year, diplomatic relations continue to strengthen, with Prime Minister Ramgoolam holding strong ties to India, as evidenced by the support he received during a health crisis.
As Mauritius balances its relationship with China, it retains a solid partnership with India, particularly regarding cooperation in ocean research and management. This continued collaboration followed the signing of a comprehensive economic agreement with New Delhi shortly after a China-Mauritius Free Trade deal in 2021, further solidifying India’s maritime strategy in the Indian Ocean region initiated during PM Modi’s 2015 visit.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forthcoming visit to Mauritius underscores the significance of India-Mauritius relations, characterized by mutual respect and cooperation in various domains such as maritime security, economic enhancement, and combating financial crimes. The agreements to be signed reflect a collective commitment to strengthen ties, affirming India’s role as a key partner in regional development. As Mauritius navigates its relationships in the Indian Ocean, its enduring partnership with India is poised for continued growth and collaboration.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
