Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Port Louis, Mauritius on Tuesday, where he was accorded a ceremonial welcome. Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam personally received him at the airport, highlighting the strong ties between the two nations.
Warm Reception from the Indian Diaspora
A large crowd from the Indian community gathered at the airport, eagerly awaiting a glimpse of PM Modi.
- Sharad Barnwal, a member of the Indian diaspora, expressed excitement:
“We are all very excited. We have gathered here since morning. The friendship between India and Mauritius has always been great, and after this visit of PM Modi, the relationship will get stronger.” - Dr. Kadambini Acharya, Director of the Cultural Centre at the Indian High Commission in Mauritius, noted the preparations:
“We have been preparing to welcome PM Modi for the last month. We are delighted to receive him.”
Strengthening India-Mauritius Ties
PM Modi departed for Mauritius late Monday night on a two-day State visit, during which he will attend the National Day celebrations on March 12 as the Chief Guest.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the visit as a step toward strengthening the “enduring ties” between India and Mauritius.
“Strengthening India-Mauritius enduring ties! PM @narendramodi has embarked on a 2-day State visit to Port Louis. PM will participate as the Chief Guest at Mauritius’ National Day Celebrations & also meet Mauritian leadership & dignitaries,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.
MEA India’s Post
PM Modi’s Departure Statement
Before departing, PM Modi emphasized the historical, geographical, and cultural bonds between the two nations. He described Mauritius as a “close maritime neighbor, key partner in the Indian Ocean, and a gateway to the African continent.”
“At the invitation of my friend, Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, I am embarking on a two-day State Visit to Mauritius to participate in the 57th National Day celebrations. Deep mutual trust, a shared belief in democracy, and our cultural diversity strengthen our ties,” he stated.
He also highlighted people-centric initiatives undertaken over the past decade and expressed confidence that this visit would further elevate the India-Mauritius partnership.
“I look forward to engaging with the Mauritius leadership to strengthen our friendship, enhance progress and prosperity for our peoples, and ensure security and development in the Indian Ocean Region, as part of our Vision SAGAR,” PM Modi added.
Expectations from the Visit
- Bilateral meetings with Mauritius’ leadership
- Participation in National Day celebrations on March 12
- Strengthening economic and security cooperation under India’s Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)
This visit marks another milestone in India’s long-standing strategic and cultural partnership with Mauritius, reinforcing their shared vision for regional stability and development.