Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Mauritius to celebrate its 57th national day and strengthen bilateral ties through several key agreements. These agreements will focus on maritime security, economic collaboration, and combating financial crimes. Modi’s visit reflects the deep-rooted relationship between India and Mauritius, particularly notable given the significant Indian-origin population in the nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to commence a two-day state visit to Mauritius on Tuesday, during which he will serve as the chief guest for the island nation’s 57th national day celebrations. During this visit, India and Mauritius are expected to formalize various agreements aimed at strengthening economic and security partnerships. Additionally, a contingent of Indian armed forces will partake in the celebrations, which will also feature a naval ship from the Indian Navy and the Akash Ganga skydiving team of the Indian Air Force.
Mauritius’ Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam expressed gratitude for PM Modi’s visit, acknowledging the significance of hosting such an esteemed guest despite his demanding schedule and previous engagements in Paris and the United States. This visit illustrates the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, as highlighted by Ramgoolam’s remarks, recognizing it as a significant honor for Mauritius.
The agenda for Prime Minister Modi’s visit includes the exchange of multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance cooperation. A primary focus is the signing of a technical agreement concerning white shipping information exchange between the Indian Navy and Mauritius authorities, aimed at strictly preventing illegal activities and bolstering maritime domain awareness.
Furthermore, discussions will encompass capacity building, bilateral trade, combating cross-border financial crimes, and fostering the development of small and medium enterprises. An MoU will also be executed between the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services and the Prime Minister’s Office of Mauritius for improved maritime zone management and oceanic research. PM Modi will inaugurate a new civil service college and a health center funded by Indian grants.
To further combat financial crimes, India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Financial Crime Commission of Mauritius will formalize an MoU, aimed at enhancing intelligence sharing and technical assistance to combat money laundering and related offenses. Additionally, PM Modi is scheduled to engage with notable dignitaries, political leaders, and members of the Indian-origin community during his visit.
India has enjoyed a rich, longstanding relationship with Mauritius, primarily due to the significant Indian-origin population, which constitutes nearly 70% of the island’s 1.2 million residents. Since 2005, India has emerged as one of Mauritius’s largest trading partners, with total trade reaching USD 554 million in the fiscal year 2022-2023. Trade between these nations has significantly increased over the years, marking a 132% growth.
Cooperation in maritime security and defense has significantly progressed, with India facilitating the enhancement of key infrastructure to enable Mauritius to effectively monitor its expansive exclusive economic zone. The close relationship has been exemplified through exchange visits, particularly during difficult periods such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
Despite pressures from China for partnership in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius remains a steadfast ally of India, committed to collaborative efforts in ocean observation, research, and information management. Following a China-Mauritius Free Trade deal in February 2021, Mauritius reaffirmed its partnership with India through comprehensive economic agreements. During PM Modi’s initial visit in 2015, he introduced the SAGAR initiative, underscoring India’s enduring commitment to maritime cooperation in the region.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Mauritius marks a significant opportunity to strengthen the longstanding ties between India and Mauritius. The establishment of various agreements focused on maritime security, economic collaboration, and financial crime prevention underscores the mutual commitment to advancing cooperation. Both nations continue to navigate regional dynamics while fostering a strategic partnership that enhances development and security in the Indian Ocean region.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
