The Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, GCSK, FRCP and the Prime Minister of India His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, had comprehensive and productive discussions on the entire gamut of bilateral relations between Mauritius and India during the latter’s State Visit to Mauritius.
During the bilateral meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed that Mauritius and India enjoy an unparalleled, special, and unique relationship, given the shared bonds of history, language, culture, heritage, kinship, and values. They further acknowledged that Mauritius-India ties, anchored in people-to-people and cultural exchanges, have grown from strength to strength in the last several decades into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that cuts across various domains and benefits the two countries, their people and the wider Indian Ocean Region.
The Prime Minister of Mauritius underscored India’s role as a time-tested and trusted partner of Mauritius in its socio-economic development since the time of its independence. Noting that India has steadfastly supported Mauritius at all times, the Prime Minister of Mauritius reaffirmed his firm commitment to further build upon the bilateral partnership that exists between the two countries to cater to future developments.
The Prime Minister of India, recollecting his earlier visit to Mauritius in March 2015, during which India’s Vision SAGAR, i.e., Security and Growth For All in the Region, was unveiled, emphasized that Mauritius remains a crucial partner for realizing Vision SAGAR and lauded the extensive support extended by the Government of Mauritius in advancing bilateral relations. He further noted that Mauritius stands at the junction of India’s Vision SAGAR, its Neighborhood First approach and its commitment to the Global South, and underlined the important role played by Mauritius in advancing these policies for the common benefit of both countries.
Underlining the strength and uniqueness of bilateral ties, both leaders agreed that it is time to provide further guidance and orientation to the relationship and transform it into an enhanced Strategic Partnership.
Both leaders acknowledged that their bilateral relations enjoy a high degree of trust and mutual understanding at various levels, complemented by regular high level exchanges and visits between the two countries. Noting that the participation of Mauritius as a Guest country under India’s G20 Presidency had deepened engagement across all sectors, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continue these engagements.
Welcoming the ongoing discussions between the Parliaments of the two countries, including in the field of capacity building, both leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation on sharing best practices on parliamentary proceedings. Further, they agreed to intensify interactions between Parliamentarians of the two countries.
The two leaders noted that India has been the leading development partner for Mauritius since its independence and has contributed significantly towards its infrastructure and developmental needs. Highlighting India’s support in successfully implementing several high profile infrastructure projects, such as India-Mauritius Metro Express Project, New Supreme Court Building, New ENT Hospital, 956 Social Housing Units, and Educational Tablets, among others, the Prime Minister of Mauritius expressed gratitude for India-aided projects that form part of the Mauritian landscape across various sectors and have benefited all sections of Mauritius over the years.
Both leaders acknowledged the benefits of the new runway and breakwater developed with Indian assistance at Agalega and its critical role towards provisioning of emergency humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of the recent Cyclone Chido for the Mauritian people in Agalega. The Prime Minister of Mauritius thanked the Government of India for its timely and swift assistance, including the deployment of transport aircraft and ships, to aid the efforts of the Government of Mauritius towards rehabilitation, thereby reaffirming India’s role as a ‘First Responder’ for Mauritius in times of need.
Development of Agalega
The Prime Minister of Mauritius welcomed the assistance of the Prime Minister of India in the development of Agalega for the welfare and benefit of its inhabitants.
Agaléga is a dependency of Mauritius, as defined by the Constitution of Mauritius, which consists of two outer islands located in the Indian Ocean, about 1,050 km (650 mi) north of Mauritius Island.
Similar to other Mauritian islands such as St. Brandon, Agaléga is run directly by the Prime Minister of Mauritius through the Prime Minister’s Office to the Outer Island Development Corporation (OIDC). The population of the islands rose from 289 in 2011 to 330 in 2022.
The islands have a total area of 2,600 ha (6,400 acres). North island is 12.5 km (7.8 mi) long and 1.5 km (0.9 mi) wide, while the South Island is 7 km (4.3 mi) long and 4.5 km (2.8 mi) wide. The North Island is home to the islands’ airstrip and the capital Vingt-Cinq. The islands are known for their production of coconuts, their main industry and, also, for the Agalega day gecko.
The leaders further underlined the significance of ongoing infrastructure projects such as Renal Transplant Unit, Forensic Science Laboratory, National Archives and Library and Civil Service College, as well as the High Impact Community Development Projects spread across Mauritius and reiterated their full support towards their timely completion.
Given that India-assisted people-centric developmental assistance brings tangible benefits to the friendly people of Mauritius and contributes towards the socio-economic development of Mauritius, both leaders agreed to various implementations and works thereof.
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