NEW DELHI: India is working with Mauritius to protect the island country’s national interests and to secure the Indian Ocean region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday as he highlighted New Delhi’s role in building critical infrastructure and boosting development.
Modi, on a two-day visit to Mauritius to participate as chief guest in the country’s National Day celebration on Wednesday, said Mauritius continues to be at the heart of India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, which he unveiled during a trip to Port Louis a decade ago.
Following his arrival in Port Louis, Modi met Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool and Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam. Later in the day, he addressed members of the Indian community in Mauritius, where almost 70% of the population of 1.2 million trace their roots to Indian indentured labour that arrived in the 18th century.
“Mauritius, with large ocean territories, needs to secure its resources from illegal fishing, piracy and crimes. As a trusted and reliable friend, India works with Mauritius to protect your national interests and secure the Indian Ocean region,” Modi said.
“Mauritius is not just a partner country. For us, Mauritius is family…Mauritius is also a bridge connecting India to the wider Global South,” he said. “Whether it is investment or infrastructure, commerce or crisis response, India always stands with Mauritius.”
Mauritius was the first member of the African Union (AU) with which India signed a trade deal – the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) of 2021 – and this provided preferential access to Indian markets. Modi noted that India has also been a partner in critical infrastructure projects, creating jobs and boosting growth.
Modi began his speech with a few lines in Bhojpuri, which is widely spoken in Mauritius, and thanked Ramgoolam for announcing the conferment of the country’s highest civilian honour – the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean – on him. He said this is an acknowledgement of the long-standing bilateral ties.
Describing Mauritius as a “garden of different cultures” and a “mini-Hindustan” because of the presence of the languages and cuisines of Indian states such as – Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, Modi announced that the government has decided to extend the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card to the seventh generation of the Indian diaspora in Mauritius.
Modi also presented OCI cards to Gokhool and Ramgoolam and their wives.
At a meeting with Gokhool, Modi discussed ways to deepen bilateral ties across diverse sectors. “He [Gokhool] is well acquainted with India and Indian culture. Expressed gratitude for inviting me to be a part of the National Day celebrations of Mauritius.” Modi said in a social media post.
The two leaders visited the Ayurveda Garden in the State House or presidential residence. Modi said Mauritius is an important partner for India in advancing the benefits of traditional medicine, including ayurveda.