New Delhi, Sept 13: India’s state visit by Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam has solidified bilateral ties, ushering in a more dynamic phase.
India announced a $680 million special economic package comprising grants and credit lines for Mauritius’s healthcare, infrastructure, energy, and maritime security sectors. Key projects include a 500-bed national hospital, an AYUSH Centre of Excellence, a veterinary school, modernization of Port Louis, completion of the SSR Airport control tower, road upgrades, and a floating solar PV project.
The nations will also enable trade in local currencies, build on the successful launch of UPI and RuPay cards, and signed MoUs for cooperation in education, science, and technology with institutions like IIT Madras. An agreement was also made for a satellite telemetry station, and India’s Karmayogi Bharat initiative will aid public administration capacity building.
Mauritius was recognized as a crucial partner in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, with both countries reaffirming a commitment to a “free, open, secure, and stable Indian Ocean” and India pledging continued support for Mauritius’s maritime security, including countering piracy and illegal fishing.
