PM Modi and Mauritian counterpart Ramgoolam discuss progress in bilateral ties ahead of AI Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday evening received a phone call from Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam as the two leaders reviewed progress in the wideranging cooperation between both countries ahead of their meeting during the next weeks AI Impact Summit in New DelhiHappy to receive a phone call from my friend Prime Minister Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam We reviewed progress in the wideranging cooperation between India and Mauritius since our memorable meeting in Varanasi last year PM Modi posted on X after the phone call Reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the special historic and peoplecentric ties that unite our two nations India and Mauritius will continue to work together to achieve shared objectives of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region I look forward to welcoming him to India for the AI Impact Summit next week he addedIndiandashMauritius ties deepen under Vision MAHASAGAR and Neighbourhood First policyIndia and Mauritius share a close and special relationship rooted in shared historical cultural and people to people tiesAs Indias key maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean Region IOR Mauritius holds a special place in Indias Vision MAHASAGAR Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region and the lsquoNeighbourhood First Policyrsquo and is a key partner in the Global SouthFollowing PM Modis visit to Mauritius in March 2025 Ramgoolam undertook a State Visit to India in September 2025 which was his first overseas bilateral visit in his present termPrime Minister Modi and his counterpart from Mauritius had held delegationlevel talks in Varanasi where both sides comprehensively reviewed the Enhanced Strategic Partnership between both countries and identified new opportunities to deepen collaboration across sectors of mutual interest that will drive shared prosperity for both countries their peoples and the regionIt is a matter of pride for India to be a trusted and primary partner in Mauritius development Today we have decided on a Special Economic Package keeping in mind the needs and priorities of Mauritius It will strengthen infrastructure create new employment opportunities and strengthen health facilities PM Modi said while addressing a joint press meet alongside Ramgoolam during which he announced Indias special economic package for Mauritius that supports infrastructure employment and healthcare sectorsThe first Jan Aushadhi Kendra outside India has now been established in Mauritius Today we have decided that India will support the construction of AYUSH Centre of Excellence 500bed Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National SSRN Hospital and Veterinary School and Animal Hospital in Mauritius We will also take forward projects like the Chagos Marine Protected Area the ATC tower of the SSR International Airport and the expansion of the highway and ring road This package is not an assistance it is an investment in our shared future he addedPM Modi hails IndiandashMauritius ties as lsquofamily bondrsquo highlights education and research partnershipsPM Modi had also announced that Indias IIT Madras and Indian Institute of Plantation Management have signed agreements with the University of Mauritius and stressed that these agreements will take mutual partnership in research education and innovation to a new levelWelcoming the Mauritian leader to Varanasi PM Modi said It is a matter of pride for me to welcome you in my parliamentary constituency For centuries Kashi has been a symbol of Indiarsquos civilization and culture Our traditions and values reached Mauritius centuries ago and became deeply rooted in its way of life And today when we welcome friends from Mauritius in Kashi it is not just a formality but a spiritual union That is why I proudly say that India and Mauritius are not just partners but a familyMauritius is an important pillar of Indiarsquos Neighbourhood First policy and Vision Mahasagar In March I had the privilege of attending the National Day celebrations of Mauritius At that time we gave our relations the status of Enhanced Strategic Partnership Today we have reviewed all aspects of bilateral cooperation in detail We also exchanged views on regional and global issues he had addedInputs from IANS