Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Mauritius on Tuesday for a two-day official visit, during which he will be the guest of honor at the island nation’s 57th National Day celebrations on Wednesday. His visit marks a significant moment in the continued strengthening of ties between India and Mauritius.
Modi was welcomed at the airport by Mauritius’ Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who has returned for his third term in office in 2024. The two leaders are set to hold discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral and strategic relations between their countries, focusing particularly on security and development in the Indian Ocean region.
During his stay, Modi is scheduled to meet with various high-ranking officials, including key leaders of the Mauritian government. The agenda includes advancing their cooperation on a range of issues, from economic development and trade to maritime security and regional stability in the Indian Ocean.
Before his talks, Prime Minister Modi visited the grave of Mauritius’ first prime minister, Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden. He paid his respects and laid a wreath in honor of the leader, who played a pivotal role in the country’s independence and development.
This visit comes amid growing international attention on the Chagos Islands, a group of islands in the Indian Ocean that are the subject of a longstanding territorial dispute between Mauritius and the United Kingdom. In recent days, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his support for a deal between Mauritius and the UK regarding the future of a joint U.S.-British military base in the Chagos Islands. India has consistently backed Mauritius’ claims over the archipelago, and Modi’s visit is seen as an important show of support for the island nation’s sovereignty in the region.
The Indian government has long viewed Mauritius as a key strategic partner in the Indian Ocean, with both countries sharing strong historical, cultural, and economic ties. Modi’s visit is expected to further deepen these relations, particularly in areas such as maritime security, economic cooperation, and regional diplomacy.
