Prime Minister’s Visit to Mauritius Strengthens Bilateral Ties with Multiple Agreements and Projects.
New Delhi:
During his visit to Mauritius, Prime Minister Narendra Modi oversaw the signing of several key agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation between India and Mauritius. The agreements span various sectors, from finance to maritime security, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.
Key Agreements and MoUs Signed:
- Reserve Bank of India & Bank of Mauritius: A historic agreement was signed between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Bank of Mauritius to establish a framework for promoting the use of local currencies (INR and MUR) for cross-border transactions. This initiative aims to simplify trade between the two countries and reduce reliance on third-party currencies.
- Credit Facility Agreement: A credit facility agreement was signed between the Government of Mauritius and the State Bank of India (SBI), with the government of Mauritius as the borrower. This agreement will facilitate greater economic development through easier access to financing.
- Cooperation in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME): An MoU was signed between the Ministry of Industry, SME, and Cooperatives of Mauritius and the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises of India. This MoU will focus on cooperation in the MSME sector, boosting entrepreneurship and innovation in both countries.
- Diplomatic Collaboration in Foreign Services: An MoU was inked between India’s Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration & International Trade of Mauritius, aimed at enhancing diplomatic and foreign service cooperation.
- Public Service Reforms: The Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reforms of Mauritius and India’s National Centre for Good Governance signed an MoU to promote good governance and administrative reforms in both countries.
- Maritime Cooperation: A technical agreement was signed between the Indian Navy and the Government of Mauritius for the sharing of White Shipping Information. This agreement will further strengthen maritime security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
- Oceanographic Collaboration: The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) and the Prime Minister’s Office of Mauritius signed an MoU to enhance cooperation in ocean information services and research.
- Financial Crimes Collaboration: An MoU was signed between India’s Directorate of Enforcement (ED) and the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) of Mauritius to improve bilateral cooperation in combating financial crimes.
Inauguration of Key Projects:
As part of his visit, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated several significant projects, including the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation in Mauritius. The Mauritius Area Health Centre at Cap Malheureux was also launched, along with the completion of 20 High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP). These initiatives are set to improve public services, health infrastructure, and community well-being in Mauritius.
Handover of Hydrographic Survey Data:
In a notable gesture of maritime cooperation, India handed over a Navigational Chart on St Brandon Island, which was prepared following a hydrographic survey conducted by the Indian Naval Ship. This chart will assist Mauritius in enhancing its maritime navigation and safety.
Key Announcements by Prime Minister Modi:
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi announced India’s support for the construction of a new Parliament Building in Mauritius, which will further symbolize the strong democratic ties between the two countries. Additionally, India pledged its continued support for Phase-II of the High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP), aimed at enhancing the infrastructure and living standards in various parts of Mauritius.
The visit of Prime Minister Modi marks a significant milestone in India-Mauritius relations, with the agreements and projects set to strengthen economic, security, and diplomatic ties. This continued cooperation demonstrates the growing strategic partnership between the two nations, as they work together to achieve mutual goals in various sectors.
