Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will serve as the Guest of Honour at Mauritius’ 57th National Day celebrations, as announced by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam during a parliamentary session. Set against the backdrop of the island nation commemorizing its independence from Britain, this visit underlines the close ties between the two countries.
Ramgoolam, addressing the Parliament, expressed his pleasure at Modi's acceptance of the invitation. He stated, "It is undoubtedly a singular privilege for our country to host such a distinguished personality who is doing us this honour, especially considering his very tight schedule and his recent visits to Paris and the United States." The National Day celebrations are scheduled to take place on March 12, marking the day Mauritius gained independence in 1968 and later became a republic in 1992.
The Mauritian Prime Minister emphasized the importance of Modi’s visit, noting, "The visit of Modi is a testimony of the close relations between our two nations." This acknowledgement reflects the strong and enduring partnership established over many years, characterized by shared cultural ties and collaborative development initiatives.
Modi's upcoming presence at the National Day festivities also serves as a continuation of the dialogue between the two leaders, which began with Modi congratulating Ramgoolam on his electoral victory last November. Modi had stated, "Had a warm conversation with my friend @Ramgoolam_Dr, congratulating him on his historic electoral victory. I wished him great success in leading Mauritius and extended an invitation to visit India. Look forward to working closely together to strengthen our special and unique partnership."
Historical connections between India and Mauritius run deep, as nearly 70 percent of the Mauritian population traces its ancestry back to India. This demographic similarity augments the cultural links, fostering mutual respect and collaboration. Over the years, India has committed over USD 1 billion in credit lines and USD 400 million in grants to support various infrastructure projects, including the notable Metro Express project.
Further solidifying the partnership, the Indian government has extended its support across multiple sectors such as health, education, and culture, aligning developmental goals with Mauritius’ national priorities. India's contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering vaccines and relief supplies, reflect this commitment.
Economically, the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA), which came effective in April 2021, marks India’s first trade agreement with an African nation, illustrating the strategic focus on enhancing trade ties and economic collaboration.
During the earlier visit of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Mauritius, various community development projects were inaugurated, emphasizing India's commitment to contribute to the island's progress. Jaishankar held discussions with Ramgoolam concerning diverse aspects of the bilateral relationship, which includes defence cooperation and other developmental initiatives.
Cooperation on infrastructural projects such as the recently launched civil service college and community development programs remains fundamental to the partnership. These projects not only reinforce India's presence but also support Mauritius’ developmental aspirations.
Ramgoolam affirmed, "India has always been at the forefront to try and help Mauritius," confirming the mutual respect and strategic alliance between the two nations.
Looking forward, Modi’s visit will come soon after the announcement of the deal over the Chagos Islands, where India played a significant role. Under the agreement, the UK is set to return control of Chagos to Mauritius, affirming its sovereignty, albeit retaining control over Diego Garcia’s British-US military base for 99 years. This diplomatic maneuvering highlights the depth of India's involvement in facilitating Mauritius' international interests.
The upcoming National Day celebrations will not only showcase Mauritian independence but also the luminous partnership shared with India, amid applause and anticipation from both nations. Modi's participation is seen as instrumental in cementing this patriotic sentiment, bridging social and political connections existing across oceans.