Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam met India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in Varanasi on Thursday during his week-long state visit to India from September 9 to 16. He is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi later today.
This is Ramgoolam’s first bilateral overseas visit in his current term. He last visited India in May 2014 as the only non-SAARC leader invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony of PM Modi and the Council of Ministers.
Ramgoolam, who arrived in Kashi on September 9, received a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour. He was formally received by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel.
The upcoming meeting between the two Prime Ministers in Varanasi highlights the civilisational and spiritual bonds that have long anchored the India-Mauritius partnership.
During their talks, both leaders are expected to review the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation, with a focus on development partnership, capacity building, health, education, science and technology, energy, infrastructure, and new areas such as renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, and the blue economy.
The visit follows the momentum from PM Modi’s March 2025 visit to Mauritius, where the two countries elevated ties to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership.
Mauritius, a close maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region, remains central to India’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region) Vision and its Neighbourhood First policy.
Officials said the strengthening of bilateral ties holds significance not just for the people of both nations, but also for the broader aspirations of the Global South.
