Varanasi/New Delhi, Sep 11 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today described Mauritius as an important pillar of India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision ‘SAGAR’, and announced a Special Economic Package for the Indian Ocean island nation.
In his media statement after holding talks with visiting Mauritius PM Navin Ramgoolam in Varanasi, PM Modi said: “India and Mauritius are two nations, but our dreams and destiny are one.”
He also congratulated Mauritius on the finalisation of the agreement on the Chagos Archipelago, according to which the UK ceded sovereignty to Mauritius
Announcing a slew of cooperation initiatives, the PM said the first Jan Aushadhi Center outside India has been established in Mauritius and India has decided to set up an AYUSH Centre of Excellence in Mauritius, a 500-bed Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital; and India will also assist in the construction of a Veterinary School and Animal Hospital in Mauritius.
PM Modi said the two sides will also take forward projects like the Chagos Marine Protected Area; setting up an ATC tower of SSR International Airport; and expansion of the highway and ring road.
PM Modi underlined that the economic package is “not an assistance. It is an investment in our shared future”.
Last year the two sides launched India’s UPI and RuPay card in Mauritius, and both have agreed to work towards enabling trade in local currency, PM Modi added.
He said that India is assisting Mauritius in its energy transition, and as part of it 100 electric buses are being given to Mauritius, out of which 10 have already arrived. India is to also assist in the construction of a 17.5 MW floating solar power plant at ‘Tamarind Falls’.
More than 5,000 Mauritian citizens have received training in India, he said, adding that during his visit to Mauritius in March, it was decided to train 500 civil servants. “I am very happy that its first batch is currently undergoing training in Mussoorie.”
The two sides have also decided to set up a new Directorate of Science and Technology in Mauritius. “And, soon we will also start training modules of Mission Karmayogi in Mauritius,” the PM added.
India’s IIT Madras and Indian Institute of Plantation Management have signed agreements with the University of Mauritius, for mutual partnership in research, education and innovation.
“A free, open, secure, stable, and prosperous Indian Ocean is our common priority. In this context, India is fully committed to strengthen the security and maritime capacity of Mauritius’ Exclusive Economic Zone,” the PM said.
“India has always stood as the first responder and a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region.
“Mauritius’ Coast Guard Ship is being refitted in India. Their 120 officers are also being trained in India,” he added.
The two sides have also signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of hydrography.
“And, for the next five years, we will cooperate in joint survey of EEZ, navigation charts, and hydrographic data,” the PM added.
He said the two sides are celebrating the 125th birth anniversary of Sir Sewoosagar Ramgoolam. “He was not only the father of Mauritius, but also the founder of the unbreakable bridge between India and Mauritius. His birth anniversary will continue to inspire us to take our relations to new heights.”
