Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will welcome his Mauritian counterpart Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Varanasi on Thursday during the latter’s state visit to India. The two leaders are set to hold bilateral talks in the ancient city, a venue chosen to highlight the cultural, spiritual, and people-to-people ties that bind the two nations.
According to officials, the discussions will cover the full range of cooperation, with emphasis on development partnership and capacity building. Both leaders are also expected to explore new opportunities in health, education, science and technology, energy, and infrastructure. Areas such as renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, and the blue economy will also feature prominently in their talks.
Ramgoolam, who arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday, will be in India until September 16. His visit follows Modi’s state trip to Mauritius in March 2025, when the bilateral relationship was elevated to an “enhanced strategic partnership.”
India regards Mauritius as a key maritime partner in the Indian Ocean, central to New Delhi’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region) Vision and the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. Officials say the growing cooperation between the two nations not only strengthens bilateral prosperity but also contributes to the aspirations of the wider Global South.
“The Varanasi summit will mark an important milestone in the shared journey of India and Mauritius towards sustainable growth, mutual prosperity, and an inclusive future,” an official statement noted.
Later on Thursday, Modi will travel to Dehradun, where he will conduct an aerial survey of flood-hit regions in Uttarakhand. He will also chair a high-level review meeting with state officials to assess damage and coordinate relief measures.
