Africa-Press – Mauritius. Mauritius and India have now embarked on new avenues of bilateral cooperation through the handing over of the Lease of an Indian Passenger Variant Dornier (PVD) MSN-4059 Aircraft and exchange of contracts of the new PVD, today, at the Maritime Air Squadron, SSR International Airport, in Plaisance.
The Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Alan Ganoo, the High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, Mrs K.
Nandini Singla, the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Om Kumar Dabidin, the Acting Commissioner of Police, Mr Anil Kumar Dip, the Commandant of the National Coast Guard (NCG), Mr Vipin Gupta, as well as other personalities were present.
In his address, Minister Ganoo highlighted that the realisation of this project is yet another testimony of the excellent long-standing bilateral relations which exist between Mauritius and India.
This PVD, he indicated, will prove to be a vital enabler to address the numerous challenges the Government encounters in its path towards achieving a firm control of Mauritius’ vast and resourceful Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The Minister underscored that the induction of this aircraft into the existing fleet of the Maritime Air Squadron has enhanced the operational capabilities in ensuring maritime safety and security.
The aircraft will be used for carrying out aerial surveillance in the country’s vast EEZ as well as provide crucial support to our Outer Islands, he said.
As regards bilateral relations with India, the Foreign Minister emphasised that with the support of India over the years, Mauritius has been able to acquire state-of-the-art assets which have enabled the country to safeguard its sovereignty by securing its territorial limits.
Furthermore, he stated that the Mauritian NCG is one of the few Coast Guards around the world which has integral fixed winged surveillance capabilities.
This has enabled the NCG to carry out aerial surveillance of our vast EEZ of an extent of 2.3 Million Square Km and also, facilitate communication with our Outer Islands of Agalega, Rodrigues, St Brandon and Tromelin within a few hours when so required, the Minister pointed out.
The Dornier aircraft, Mr Ganoo underlined, is the only aircraft capable of providing vital support to our Outer Islands for notably: casualty evacuation; search and rescue operations and; at times, for disaster relief in the aftermath of natural calamities.
He further lauded the contribution of the NCG during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been instrumental in providing medical assistance to our fellow citizens in the Outer Islands and in the evacuation of casualties.
The timely transfer of essential cargo, medicines and vaccines to these islands has been possible with the assistance of the NCG and this has ensured that the basic necessities of our countrymen from these Outer Islands are catered for unhindered, in these times of need, Mr Ganoo indicated.
For her part, Mrs Singla underscored the privileged relationship between India and Mauritius. She thanked the Government of India for its continued support with respect to the socio-economic development of Mauritius, including assisting the country in ensuring maritime safety and security.
This aircraft, the High Commissioner highlighted, will be used by the Mauritius National Coast Guard to fulfil its current exigencies until Mauritius receives its own new PVD which is being acquired from the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, as part of the 100 million dollars Line of Credit from the Government of India.
She also highlighted the valuable assistance of India to Mauritius on several occasions, notably: during the COVID-19 pandemic, through the donation of medical equipment or vaccines or deployment of medical response teams; and, at the time of the environmental disaster of oil spill due to the grounding of the MV Wakashio ship off the coast of Mauritius last year.
Mrs Singla reiterated the commitment of India to stand by the Republic of Mauritius in good times and in bad times. She underlined that as India will be celebrating its 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Mauritius soon, and as part of the ongoing two years ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations, India is working together with the Government of Mauritius to provide a “Dhruv” helicopter on lease and complete the ongoing refit of the Coastal Guard Ship “Barracuda”.
