India-Mauritius ties elevated to 'enhanced strategic partnership', says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the India-Mauritius ties have been elevated to the status of 'enhanced strategic partnership'.

"Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam and I have decided to elevate the India-Mauritius partnership to the status of an enhanced strategic partnership," the Prime Minister said.

"We have also decided that India will assist in building a new Parliament building in Mauritius, which will be a gift from the ‘Mother of Democracy’ to Mauritius," he added.

The Prime Minister made the announcement at a press conference during his two-day state visit to Mauritius.

"Be it the Global South, the Indian Ocean, or the African continent, Mauritius is our important partner. Ten years ago, the foundation stone of vision SAGAR - 'Security and Growth for All in the Region' was laid here in Mauritius. We have moved ahead with SAGAR vision for the stability and prosperity of this entire region. For Global South our vision will now be - MAHASAGAR - Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions'," the Prime Minister stated.

Under this, trade for development, capacity building for sustainable growth, and mutual security for shared future will be included, he said.

PM Modi highlighted that India and Mauritius are not only linked by the Indian Ocean but also by traditions and culture. He further said that the two countries are partners in the journey of economic and social growth.

"We have always stood by each other. Be it health, space or defence, we are moving ahead with each other," the Prime Minister said.

At a community event earlier, Modi termed Mauritius as a bridge between India and the Global South, and said that the island nation is part of India's family and not just a partner country.

“Mauritius is like 'Mini India',” Modi told the Indian diaspora at the community event in Port Louis.