MoUs and Key Initiatives Signed, Focus on Science, Energy, and Education
VARANASI — In a significant diplomatic event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today held comprehensive bilateral talks with his Mauritian counterpart, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, in Varanasi. The meeting, a first of its kind for a foreign head of government in Prime Minister Modi’s parliamentary constituency, saw the signing of several key agreements aimed at strengthening the “Enhanced Strategic Partnership” between the two nations.
During a joint press briefing, Prime Minister Modi underscored the profound relationship between the two countries, stating, “India and Mauritius are two nations, but our dreams and destiny are one.” He reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for the decolonization of the Chagos Islands and full recognition of Mauritius’s sovereignty, calling the recent agreement a “historic victory” for Mauritius.
The discussions covered the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation, with a focus on a “Special Economic Package” from India designed to support Mauritius’s infrastructure, employment, and healthcare sectors. This package includes assistance for a 500-bed hospital and a veterinary school in Mauritius.
The bilateral talks concluded with the exchange of seven documents, including four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in critical areas. The agreements cover cooperation in:
Science and Technology: Between India’s Department of Science and Technology and Mauritius’s Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research.
Oceanography: An MoU between India’s Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Institute of Oceanography and the Mauritius Oceanography Institute.
Administrative Training: An agreement between India’s Karmayogi Bharat and the Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reforms of Mauritius.
Hydrography: A renewed MoU for cooperation in this field.
Three additional documents were exchanged concerning the power sector, Indian grant assistance for small development projects, and a crucial agreement for the establishment of a telemetry, tracking, and telecommunications station for satellites in Mauritius.
Prime Minister Modi also highlighted other key initiatives, including the establishment of the first Jan Aushadhi Kendra outside India in Mauritius and the signing of agreements between IIT Madras and the Indian Institute of Plantation Management with the University of Mauritius to boost research and innovation. He also announced plans to work towards enabling bilateral trade in local currencies.
Mauritian Prime Minister Ramgoolam is on a week-long state visit to India from September 9 to September 16, 2025. His itinerary includes a spiritual visit to the Kashi Vishwanath temple and witnessing the Ganga aarti in Varanasi.
