Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Mauritius on Tuesday for a two-day visit, where he was received with great warmth by Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam at the airport in Port Louis. As PM Modi stepped off his aircraft, the two leaders exchanged a heartfelt hug, symbolizing the strong historical, cultural, and diplomatic ties that India and Mauritius share. The visit is particularly significant as PM Modi is the Chief Guest at the island nation’s 57th National Day celebrations, which will be held on March 12.
PM Modi departed for Mauritius around midnight, embarking on a journey aimed at strengthening India’s diplomatic and economic engagement with the strategically located Indian Ocean nation. His visit is packed with high-profile engagements, including the inauguration of more than 20 India-funded projects. In a display of India’s commitment to Mauritius’s growth and security, a contingent of the Indian Defence Forces, along with a warship from the Indian Navy, will also participate in the National Day celebrations. This not only underscores India’s robust defense partnership with Mauritius but also highlights its broader vision of maritime security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
Ahead of his visit, PM Modi took to social media to express his deep appreciation for the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries. He emphasized that Mauritius is not just a neighbor but a key partner in India's Indian Ocean strategy. "Mauritius is a close maritime neighbour and a key Indian Ocean partner. We are connected by shared values and deep-rooted cultural ties. My visit will further strengthen the foundations of our friendship and build a brighter chapter in India-Mauritius ties," he wrote. Additionally, in his departure statement, the Prime Minister pointed out the "people-to-people connect" that has historically bound India and Mauritius together, calling it a "source of shared pride." Over the past decade, both nations have undertaken a series of people-centric initiatives that have enhanced economic cooperation, infrastructure development, and governance reforms in Mauritius.
One of the key highlights of PM Modi’s visit will be the joint inauguration of the newly constructed Civil Services building alongside Mauritian Prime Minister Ramgoolam. The project, which was completed at an estimated cost of USD 4.75 million (over ₹40 crore), is a crucial step in modernizing the country's government operations and enhancing administrative efficiency. The project was carried out under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and Mauritius in 2017, reflecting India's long-standing support for governance reforms in Mauritius.
Beyond infrastructure development, PM Modi will also announce several new initiatives aimed at further strengthening democratic institutions and public services in Mauritius. According to officials cited by news agency PTI, an MoU on a fresh line of credit will be signed during his visit, which will help fund crucial infrastructure projects. Mauritian Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful confirmed that financial assistance from India will be used to replace the country’s aging water pipelines. "There will be the signing of an MoU on a line of credit, which is being granted by India, regarding the replacement of our water pipes," Ramful was quoted as saying by PTI.
India and Mauritius share an exceptionally close and historically significant relationship. Mauritius has a large population of Indian origin, with deep-rooted ties to India’s cultural and social fabric. Over the years, India has played a key role in supporting Mauritius’s economic and infrastructure development, helping it modernize key sectors such as healthcare, education, trade, and maritime security. This visit by PM Modi reaffirms India’s commitment to enhancing these ties and ensuring that Mauritius continues to grow as a prosperous and stable democracy in the Indian Ocean region.
Additionally, PM Modi’s visit comes at a time when Mauritius is increasingly seen as a key strategic partner in India's broader vision for the Indo-Pacific. With China expanding its influence in the region, India has sought to counterbalance this by deepening its engagement with island nations like Mauritius, the Maldives, and Seychelles. Strengthening trade, security, and connectivity with Mauritius is part of India’s larger efforts to maintain regional stability and protect its maritime interests.
The National Day celebrations on Wednesday are expected to be a grand affair, with the presence of PM Modi as the Chief Guest adding a special significance to the event. His participation in the celebrations, along with the Indian military contingent and naval presence, highlights the growing depth of the India-Mauritius partnership. The strong diplomatic and economic agreements expected to emerge from this visit will not only bolster Mauritius’s development but also reinforce India’s position as a reliable and strategic partner in the Indian Ocean region.
With new infrastructure projects, defense cooperation, and trade agreements on the horizon, PM Modi’s visit is poised to open a new chapter in India-Mauritius relations. As both countries work towards a future of shared prosperity, the strong bonds of friendship and mutual respect between India and Mauritius continue to serve as a model for international partnerships.
