In a move to bolster bilateral ties, Foreign Secretary of India, Shri Vikram Misri, concluded a successful three-day visit to Mauritius from December 20-22, 2024. This visit, marking his first official trip to the island nation, follows a congratulatory phone call made by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to newly elected Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam after his victory in the parliamentary elections on November 11, 2024.
During the visit, Foreign Secretary Misri engaged in high-level meetings with key leaders and officials of Mauritius, further reinforcing the deep-rooted relationship between the two countries. He called on the President of Mauritius, H.E. Mr. Dharambeer Gokhool, Prime Minister Dr. Ramgoolam, Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Paul Berenger, and the Foreign Minister H.E. Dhananjay Ramful. These engagements provided an opportunity to discuss the full spectrum of bilateral relations, covering areas such as economic cooperation, development assistance, and regional security.
In his meeting with Prime Minister Ramgoolam, Foreign Secretary Misri congratulated the Mauritian leader on his electoral success and reaffirmed the invitation extended by Prime Minister Modi for a visit to India. The leaders deliberated on a wide range of issues aimed at further enhancing the special and strategic partnership between India and Mauritius. Foreign Secretary Misri conveyed India’s continued commitment to Mauritius’ development, prosperity, and progress, particularly in areas that align with Mauritius’ vision for the future.
The India-Mauritius partnership has long been based on shared historical, cultural, and economic ties, and the Foreign Secretary’s visit underscored India’s ongoing support for the island nation’s growth and stability. Foreign Secretary Misri noted that Mauritius is a valued partner within India’s broader vision for the Indian Ocean Region, which is reflected in India’s “Neighbourhood First” and “Vision Sagar” policies.
A significant highlight of the visit was Foreign Secretary Misri’s tour of the Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds historical significance as a symbol of the deep cultural and social connections between India and Mauritius. The site serves as a poignant reminder of the contributions of indentured laborers from India to the development of Mauritius, an enduring bond that continues to shape the strong ties between the two countries.
In addition to his diplomatic engagements, Foreign Secretary Misri visited ongoing projects supported by India in Mauritius. These include the Civil Service College and an Area Health Centre in Cap Malheureux, both of which are pivotal to enhancing the nation’s infrastructure and public services. These projects are part of India’s broader development assistance to Mauritius, reflecting India’s commitment to the socio-economic advancement of its partner.
Foreign Secretary Misri’s visit is part of a series of high-level engagements that reflect the importance India attaches to its relations with Mauritius. The visit also underscored the shared vision of both countries for a more prosperous and integrated Indian Ocean Region. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen multi-dimensional bilateral cooperation in areas ranging from economic development and regional security to people-to-people ties and cultural exchange.
This visit marks a renewed phase in India-Mauritius relations, emphasizing not only the historical connections but also a forward-looking partnership aimed at fostering peace, security, and sustainable development in the region.
The visit is also a reflection of India’s broader foreign policy focus on strengthening ties with the Global South, especially through the Africa Forward initiative, which underscores India’s commitment to promoting development and prosperity in Africa and its island nations, including Mauritius.
Both countries, united by a shared commitment to the Indian Ocean’s peace and prosperity, look forward to continued cooperation and mutual support in the years ahead, as the relationship between India and Mauritius continues to evolve in line with regional and global dynamics.