Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, addressing a Joint Media Statement in Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh on September 11, 2025.
India, Mauritius Sign Key Pacts
Varanasi: The state visit of Mauritius’ Prime Minister, Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, to India, hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, concluded with a series of agreements and announcements strengthening ties between the two nations. The visit focused on cooperation in science, technology, infrastructure, and education, reinforcing the deep cultural and strategic bonds between India and Mauritius.
In a joint press statement in Varanasi, Modi’s parliamentary constituency, he highlighted the historical connection, saying, “Centuries ago, our culture and traditions travelled from India to Mauritius, and became a part of everyday life there. Just like the eternal flow of Maa Ganga in Kashi, the continuous stream of Indian culture has enriched Mauritius.” He described the relationship as familial, stating, “India and Mauritius are not just partners but a family.” The leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation and discussed regional and global issues, building on the “Enhanced Strategic Partnership” established during Modi’s visit to Mauritius in March 2025.
Seven Memoranda of Understanding were signed, covering science and technology, oceanography, public service reforms, power sector cooperation, Indian grant assistance for small development projects, hydrography, and space research. These include cooperation between India’s Department of Science and Technology and Mauritius’ Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research, and a pact between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Oceanography and the Mauritius Oceanography Institute. Another agreement facilitates training under India’s Karmayogi Bharat program for Mauritian civil servants, with the first batch currently training in Mussoorie.
A Special Economic Package worth approximately USD 215 million (Mauritian Rupees 9.80 billion) in grants was announced for projects in Mauritius, including a new Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital, an AYUSH Centre of Excellence, a Veterinary School and Animal Hospital, and the provision of helicopters. Projects worth USD 440 million (Mauritian Rupees 20.10 billion) on a grant-cum-Line of Credit basis were also agreed upon, covering the completion of a new Air Traffic Control tower at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, development of Motorway M4, Ring Road Phase II, and acquisition of port equipment by the Cargo Handling Corporation Limited.
Strategic cooperation was outlined, with India supporting the redevelopment of Mauritius’ port and assisting in the development and surveillance of the Chagos Marine Protected Area. Modi congratulated Ramgoolam on the Chagos Agreement, stating, “This is a historic milestone for Mauritius’ sovereignty. India has always supported decolonisation and the full recognition of Mauritius’ sovereignty.” India will also provide budgetary assistance of USD 25 million for the current financial year.
Energy cooperation was a key focus, with India supporting Mauritius’ energy transition through a 17.5-megawatt Floating Solar Photovoltaic Project at Tamarind Falls, with a team from the National Thermal Power Corporation Limited visiting Mauritius to finalise the agreement. Modi noted, “Energy security is an important pillar of our partnership,” highlighting the delivery of 10 out of 100 electric buses to Mauritius and a Comprehensive Partnership Agreement in the energy sector.
Education and human resource development were emphasised. The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, and the Indian Institute of Plantation Management, Bengaluru, signed Memoranda of Understanding with the University of Mauritius to enhance research and education. Modi said, “These agreements will elevate our partnership in research, education, and innovation to new heights.” Over 5,000 Mauritian citizens have received training in India, and a new Directorate of Science and Technology in Mauritius was announced, alongside plans to launch Mission Karmayogi training modules.
Maritime security cooperation was reaffirmed, with India supporting Mauritius’ Exclusive Economic Zone. “India has always stood as the first responder and a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region,” Modi stated. An agreement on hydrography will facilitate joint surveys and navigation charts over the next five years, while the refitting of a Mauritius Coast Guard ship and training of 120 officers are underway in India.
The visit coincided with the 125th birth anniversary of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, whom Modi described as “the founding architect of the enduring bridge between India and Mauritius.” The first Jan Aushadhi Kendra outside India, launched in Mauritius, was highlighted as a step to enhance healthcare access.
– global bihari bureau
