Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Mauritius on Tuesday, where he was accorded a warm ceremonial welcome at the Port Louis airport. He was received by Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, underscoring the close ties between the two nations.
Members of the Indian community gathered in large numbers at the airport, eager to catch a glimpse of PM Modi and celebrate his visit. Expressing their excitement, Sharad Barnwal, a member of the Indian diaspora, remarked, “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 of the High Commission of India to Mauritius, added, “We have been preparing to welcome PM Modi for the last one month. We are very happy to finally meet and welcome him.”
PM Modi departed for Mauritius late Monday night for a two-day state visit and is set to attend the country’s National Day celebrations on March 12 as the Chief Guest. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit aims to strengthen the “enduring ties” between India and Mauritius.
“Strengthening India-Mauritius enduring ties! PM @narendramodi has embarked on a two-day state visit to Port Louis, Mauritius. PM will participate as the Chief Guest at Mauritius’ National Day celebrations and also meet Mauritian leadership and dignitaries,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.
Ahead of his departure, PM Modi expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, stating his hope to deepen the bilateral partnership and promote regional security and development in the Indian Ocean Region.
“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 celebrations of the 57th National Day of Mauritius. We are connected by history, geography, and culture. Deep mutual trust, a shared belief in the values of democracy, and celebration of our diversity are our strengths,” PM Modi said in his statement.
He further highlighted the historical and cultural connections between the two nations and the progress made through people-centric initiatives over the past decade.
“I look forward to engaging with the Mauritius leadership to elevate our partnership in all its facets and strengthen our enduring friendship for the progress and prosperity of our peoples, as well as for security and development in the Indian Ocean Region, as part of our Vision SAGAR,” PM Modi added.
As PM Modi’s visit unfolds, it is expected to further enhance the diplomatic and cultural bonds between India and Mauritius, opening new avenues for cooperation and development.