During his visit to Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the connection between India and Mauritius goes beyond partnership, describing it as a family bond. The statement came as both countries signed a series of agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in key sectors, from healthcare and education to research and maritime security.
After holding bilateral talks with Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Modi underscored the importance of maintaining a stable, open, and secure Indian Ocean. He noted that the centuries-old cultural and spiritual link between the two nations has shaped everyday life in Mauritius, likening it to the continuous flow of the Ganga in Kashi.
Highlighting India’s “Neighbourhood First” approach, Modi announced a special economic package to meet Mauritius’s priorities. This package includes investments in infrastructure, job creation, and enhanced healthcare systems. Notably, the first Jan Aushadhi Kendra outside India has now been launched in Mauritius, making affordable medicines accessible.
India further committed to building key institutions in Mauritius, such as an AYUSH Centre of Excellence, a 500-bed Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital, and a veterinary school and animal hospital. The countries also signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to promote cooperation in fields like science, technology, oceanographic research, energy, and the second phase of small-scale development projects.
A joint hydrography project was also announced, which will involve shared surveys, navigation charts, and hydrographic data for Mauritius’s exclusive economic zone. In the education sector, new training modules under Mission Karmayogi will be launched soon, and leading Indian institutions—such as IIT Madras and the Indian Institute of Plantation Management—have partnered with the University of Mauritius to foster research, innovation, and academic collaboration.
Earlier in the day, Modi was welcomed warmly at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, where Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath received him. His convoy was greeted enthusiastically across major city locations.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ramgoolam, who arrived a day earlier, experienced the spiritual traditions of Varanasi, witnessing the famed Ganga Aarti from a cruise. Before leaving for Ayodhya, he is also scheduled to offer prayers at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham, symbolizing the shared cultural and spiritual heritage binding the two nations.
