Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritius Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam on Thursday held wide-ranging bilateral talks in Varanasi, reaffirming the unique civilisational ties between the two nations and unveiling a host of new projects and agreements designed to deepen their enhanced strategic partnership.
Welcoming Ramgoolam to his parliamentary constituency, PM Modi called the meeting a “spiritual union” and said India and Mauritius are “not just partners but a family,” bound by centuries of shared culture and values. “Our dreams and destinies are one. Like the continuous flow of the Ganga in Kashi, the flow of Indian culture has enriched Mauritius for centuries,” he remarked.
During the talks, PM Modi announced a special economic package for Mauritius to support infrastructure, healthcare, and employment generation. The package will fund the construction of the new 500-bed Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital, an AYUSH Centre of Excellence, a Veterinary School and Animal Hospital, and the provision of helicopters. He emphasised that these initiatives are “not assistance but an investment in our shared future.”
Further, projects worth an estimated $440 million will be undertaken on a grant-cum-line-of-credit basis, including the completion of a new ATC tower at SSR International Airport, development of Motorway M4 and Ring Road Phase II, and acquisition of modern port equipment. Both sides also agreed in principle on redevelopment and restructuring of the Port of Mauritius and collaboration on surveillance and development of the Chagos Marine Protected Area. In addition, India will extend budgetary assistance of $25 million during the current financial year.
Several significant agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to enhance cooperation in science and technology, oceanographic research, power sector development, public service capacity building through Karmayogi Bharat, and implementation of Phase II of Small Development Projects. The two countries also renewed their MoU in the field of hydrography and signed a landmark agreement on the establishment of a Telemetry, Tracking, and Telecommunications Station for satellites and launch vehicles, strengthening space research collaboration.
In the field of education and research, IIT Madras and the Indian Institute of Plantation Management signed MoUs with the University of Mauritius, which PM Modi said would take cooperation in innovation, research, and education “to a new level.” The two sides also announced plans to advance clean energy collaboration by setting up a 17.5 MW floating solar PV project at Tamarind Falls, with a technical team from NTPC Ltd. scheduled to visit Mauritius soon to finalise the agreement.
PM Modi also congratulated Ramgoolam and the people of Mauritius on the conclusion of the Chagos Agreement, calling it a “historic victory for the sovereignty of Mauritius.” He reiterated India’s commitment to decolonisation and recognition of Mauritius’ full sovereignty. The Prime Minister further announced that India and Mauritius will work towards enabling bilateral trade in local currencies, building on the successful introduction of UPI and RuPay cards in Mauritius last year.
Prime Minister Ramgoolam, who is on a week-long State Visit, expressed deep appreciation for India’s steadfast support over the years. “Over the years, we have benefited immensely from India’s generous assistance and expertise in health, education, capacity building, renewable energy, infrastructure, and maritime security. India’s timely support has made a tangible difference in improving the quality of life of Mauritians,” he said, describing the new initiatives as a “special economic package” that would deliver tangible outcomes.
Ramgoolam also lauded the upcoming Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence as “an exceptional achievement” and said he was deeply touched by the ceremonial welcome he and his wife received in Varanasi. “No other Prime Minister has ever received such a welcome. I now understand why you get elected in such huge numbers,” he remarked.
The leaders reviewed all aspects of bilateral cooperation, exchanged views on regional and global issues, and reaffirmed their shared vision for a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indian Ocean Region. Both sides highlighted the importance of strengthening maritime capacity and security, with PM Modi underscoring India’s role as a “first responder and net security provider” in the region.
The meeting, held in the historic city of Varanasi, underscored the deep civilisational and spiritual bonds between India and Mauritius and signalled a forward-looking phase in the partnership. With the new projects, MoUs, and strategic initiatives, both leaders committed to advancing a resilient, inclusive, and mutually beneficial partnership that supports the collective aspirations of the Global South.