Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, described the outcomes of his recent state visit to India, starting September 9, as being of “capital importance” for both bilateral and economic relations. This visit followed an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2024 and reaffirmed the exceptional bonds of fraternity between the two nations, while also securing historic financial aid.
The Mauritian delegation, which included five ministers, a junior minister, a member of parliament, and 55 private sector representatives from the Economic Development Board (EDB), received an unprecedented and exceptional welcome. Ramgoolam highlighted the significance by noting he was the first head of government or state to begin his visit in Varanasi, Modi’s own constituency.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the depth of the relationship, describing it as more than just ties between countries but as a bond between “two families.” India’s increasing status as a global economic powerhouse, expected to become the world’s third largest economy by 2027, further confirms its role as an unconditional partner to Mauritius.
A landmark financial commitment was announced—a Special Economic Package of 680 million USD (about 31 billion rupees), one of the largest financial aids Mauritius has ever received. This includes a grant of 215 million USD to fund four key projects such as a new hospital to boost medical tourism and a center for natural medicine, along with other infrastructure projects. Another 440 million USD will be available as a line of credit for critical developments like a new air traffic control tower, a highway, and cybersecurity enhancements.
Mauritius will also benefit from India’s assistance in port redevelopment and maritime security to combat illegal trafficking and fishing, issues heightened after the acquisition of sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago. Ramgoolam expressed his goal to restore Mauritius’ position as the top source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India, a status lost after 2016, with Modi willing to support this ambition.
The visit also emphasized using Mauritius as a strategic gateway for Indian investors to access Africa, leveraging regional trade agreements. Ramgoolam proposed establishing a Special Economic Zone in India for Indian companies aiming to manufacture and invest in Africa, while the EDB will set up an “India Gateway Desk” to facilitate Indian investments into Mauritius.
Seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and three separate agreements were signed, covering areas such as space research, hydrographic mapping, and solar energy projects. Mauritian ministers engaged in intensive talks with Indian counterparts on energy transition, cybersecurity, and developmental grants, illustrating strong ministerial cooperation.
To ensure rapid implementation of the agreed projects, a steering committee chaired by the Junior Minister Dhaneshwar Damry will be established. The Prime Minister concluded by emphasizing the long-term vision resulting from this highly successful mission and thanked the Indian High Commissioner for his dedicated preparations.
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