External Affairs Minister of India (EAM), Dr. S. Jaishankar, officially visited the Republic of Mauritius from 16-17 July 2024. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauritius, Mr. Maneesh Gobin, welcomed him. This is Dr. Jaishankar’s first visit to Mauritius after his re-election to the office of the EAM. During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar met with key Mauritian leaders and discussed the bilateral relationship between both countries. He also met and interacted with the Indian diaspora in Mauritius.
Dr. Jaishankar met with Mauritian Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, and discussed the whole range of bilateral relations between the two nations. They explored further ways to strengthen the partnership between India and Mauritius. The two ministers jointly inaugurated 12 India-assisted Community Development Projects in Mauritius. Several agreements and official documents related to the “space cooperation, development of National Institute for Curriculum Research, renewing ICCR Chair for Sanskrit & Indian Philosophy and digitisation of Indian Immigration Archives” were also exchanged under their supervision. Additionally, Dr. Jaishankar presented the first two 7th generation Mauritian citizens with Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards. He also handed over a royalty cheque for selling nautical charts per the MoU on the sales of navigational charts.
Highlighting the strong people-to-people relations between India and Mauritius, Dr. Jaishankar and PM Jugnauth inaugurated a Mediclinic in Grand Bois. Dr. Jaishankar said, “Delivery of this project, which will provide healthcare services to more than 16,000 residents is the newest expression of our friendship. And of the people-centric development partnership that India-assisted projects offer.” They also inaugurated the first overseas Jan Aushadi Kendra, strengthening the health partnership project between the two nations. Dr. Jaishankar remarked that the centre will supply medicines made in India to augment affordable public healthcare.
PM Jugnauth appreciated India’s efforts at strengthening diplomatic relations with Mauritius and noted that Dr. Jaishankar’s “visit is a testimony of the enduring relationship between India and Mauritius. We remain committed to pursuing our collaboration for the advancement of both our Nations.”
During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar met with Deputy Prime Minister Steven Obeegadoo; former PMs Dr. Navin Ramgoolam and Paul Bérenger; the Leader of Opposition Dr. Arvin Boolell; and Mr. Xavier Luc Duval, Leader of the Parti Mauricien Social Démocrat. Each meeting reviewed the bilateral relations between India and Mauritius and discussed how to improve them.
Dr. Jaishankar and Minister Anjiv Ramdhany visited the New Civil Service College project in Réduit. This college is a product of the India-Mauritius friendship project and will aid civil servants in Mauritius in attaining excellence in public administration. Dr. Jaishankar pledged support to Mauritius’ capacity-building initiatives through India’s “development partnership and institutional linkages.”
Dr. Jaishankar paid his homage to Sir Aneerood Jugnauth and Sir Seewoosagar Ramgoolam Memorial in Pamplemousses Botanical Garden. He acknowledged the legacies of both figures in shaping the India-Mauritius partnership.
Dr. Jaishankar’s Mauritius visit underscores India’s importance to SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and ‘Neighbourhood First’ policies. The visit reiterated the commitment of both countries to promote mutual benefits, peace, and security in the Indian Ocean Region.