Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held bilateral talks with his Mauritian counterpart Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Varanasi, where the two leaders exchanged several documents and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening ties.
Welcoming Ramgoolam in his parliamentary constituency, PM Modi described the meeting as more than a formal engagement, calling it a “spiritual gathering” that reflects the family-like bond between India and Mauritius.
“India and Mauritius are not just partners, we are one family. Mauritius is an important pillar of India’s Neighbourhood First policy and vision MAHASAGAR,” PM Modi said at the joint press briefing.
He highlighted the cultural and civilisational ties linking the two nations, drawing parallels between the eternal flow of the Ganga in Kashi and the enduring influence of Indian traditions in Mauritius. Modi also recalled his visit to Mauritius in March for the island nation’s National Day, during which both sides upgraded their relationship to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership.
The leaders reviewed ongoing cooperation across sectors, including development partnership, education, infrastructure, and emerging areas such as renewable energy and the digital economy.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also met PM Ramgoolam earlier in the day, with the Ministry of External Affairs noting that the discussions reaffirmed the “multifaceted partnership anchored in shared history, culture and people-to-people ties.”
Ramgoolam, on his first overseas bilateral visit in this term, arrived in Varanasi on September 9 and was accorded a ceremonial welcome by UP Governor Anandiben Patel.
The meeting in the historic city underscored the civilisational connection, spiritual bonds and cultural affinity that define the India-Mauritius relationship. Officials noted that the partnership is vital not only for both nations’ prosperity but also for the collective aspirations of the Global South.
