In 2025, Prime Minister Modi welcomed Mauritian Prime Minister Naveen Chandra Ramgoolam to Varanasi, marking another milestone in the growing partnership between India and Mauritius. The visit to Kashi, one of India’s culturally significant cities, assumes special significance. Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties, highlighting the deep cultural and historical connections between India and Mauritius.
The meeting is more than just a diplomatic formality – it reflects India’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region and the shared vision of both countries to work together in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, digital technology, energy and maritime security.
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The Historic Varanasi Welcome
Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with the Prime Minister of Mauritius took on significance as Prime Minister Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam arrived in Varanasi, a city known as Kashi, which has a long history of connections between India and Mauritius. From the ceremonial honours to the vibrant local festivals, the warmth of the welcome left its mark on both the leaders. Prime Minister Modi himself acknowledged how special it was to welcome Dr. Ramgoolam in a city with such cultural significance, emphasising how Kashi is a living symbol of the “spiritual pulse” that binds India and Mauritius.
By welcoming Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam to Varanasi, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the idea that India’s diplomacy is rooted in tradition and cultural pride. This unique approach makes India-Mauritius relations more people-centric than merely transactional.
Cultural and Historical Bonds Take Centre Stage
What makes this gathering unique is that the PM Modi Mauritius PM Meeting was not just about politics. Both leaders highlighted the centuries-old connections between India and Mauritius – especially the large Mauritian population with roots in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The story of the “Girmitiyas”, Indian indentured labourers who settled in Mauritius, still resonates powerfully on both sides, blending modern diplomacy with a sense of shared heritage and destiny.
Reviewing and Reinforcing Bilateral Cooperation
The focus of the PM Modi Mauritius PM Meeting was a comprehensive review of existing bilateral cooperation. Infrastructure, healthcare, digital technology, energy and maritime security were at the forefront. The leaders not only discussed ongoing projects, but also signed new MoUs to enhance cooperation in these important areas. For Mauritius, India’s assistance in development projects such as port development and renewable energy initiatives has already delivered tangible benefits. Now, these relations are being taken to a new level.
Special Economic Investing in Shared Progress
One of the notable outcomes of PM Modi Mauritius PM Meeting was India’s $680 million Special Economic Package for Mauritius. This initiative is not just about financial assistance; it is an investment in infrastructure, job creation and sustainable growth for future generations. It encompasses everything from maritime security initiatives – helping to protect Mauritius’ exclusive economic zone – to healthcare, setting up generic medicine centres and even support for traditional Ayurvedic practices. Such measures are seamlessly aligned with the shared vision of both the Prime Ministers: the India-Mauritius partnership is, at its core, about mutual progress and prosperity.
Security and Looking Beyond the Indian Ocean
It is impossible to discuss Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with Mauritius without acknowledging its strategic importance for maritime security and regional stability. Situated at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean, both countries have coastlines to protect and share concerns about freedom of navigation, illicit trafficking and regional peace. By deepening cooperation in maritime surveillance and security, India and Mauritius are sending a clear message: a free, open and prosperous Indian Ocean is in the interest of all.
Digital and Educational Cooperation Embracing
Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with Mauritius on the digital future also played a significant role. Mauritius has benefited from India’s technological expertise in public digital infrastructure, e-governance and education. Collaborative efforts such as digital public infrastructure, renewable energy partnerships and skill development are helping Mauritius modernise and at the same time building more bridges between the youth and professionals of the country.
Local Currency and Trade
Prime Minister Modi’s announcement at the Prime Ministers’ meeting in Mauritius of a commitment to conduct more bilateral trade using local currencies is set to further streamline trade between the countries. The move, though technical, has a wide-ranging impact – facilitating trade, reducing reliance on global currencies and strengthening economic resilience for both partners.
A Family Across the Border
The entire focus of the meeting between PM Modi and the Prime Minister of Mauritius was on the familial nature of the India-Mauritius relationship. Prime Minister Modi himself summed it up by saying that “India and Mauritius are not just partners, they are a family.” This sense of kinship goes far beyond official documents, it is a living bond that is reflected in the way both sides celebrate cultural festivals, support each other in times of need and chart a shared future. A joint visit to the historic Kashi Vishwanath Temple and participation in spiritual events have strengthened this unique connection.
Looking Ahead
Prime Minister Modi welcomed Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam to Varanasi, a visit that highlighted the history, culture and strategic interests of the two countries. The meeting was not just about formal agreements but about building a future-ready partnership. From infrastructure to healthcare, digital technology to maritime security, the discussions covered every aspect of cooperation that can benefit both India and Mauritius. This visit is likely to pave the way for new projects, joint ventures and collaborations that will bring tangible results for the citizens of both countries.
As Prime Minister Modi has said, strengthening ties with Mauritius is not just about diplomacy – it is about nurturing a deep-rooted friendship that has stood the test of time. Be well
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