During a recent visit to Mauritius, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India's steadfast support for Mauritius regarding the Chagos Archipelago. This commitment underscores India's dedication to restoring Mauritian sovereignty over the islands and reflects the strong partnership between India and Mauritius.
In a joint press conference with Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Jaishankar emphasised that India will continue to advocate for Mauritius in line with its principles on decolonization and territorial integrity. He expressed that the historical and cultural ties between the two nations enhance their bilateral relationship.
Jaishankar's two-day visit involved extensive discussions on various topics, including development, defence cooperation, maritime relations, and economic ties. He highlighted that Mauritius is a key player in India’s foreign policy initiatives, including the Neighborhood First policy and the Africa Forward Initiative. These strategies aim to strengthen relationships with countries in the region and promote mutual growth.
The visit also marked the inauguration of several High Impact Community Development Projects. The EAM and the Prime Minister launched twelve projects focusing on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and public amenities.
This initiative reflects India's commitment to supporting Mauritius in its development efforts. So far, 37 out of a planned 96 community projects have become operational within just a year, showcasing the rapid progress in their collaboration.
Additionally, Jaishankar and Jugnauth exchanged Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance cooperation in various sectors. They also presented the first Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards to two seventh-generation Indian-origin Mauritians, further strengthening cultural ties.
The visit highlighted the shared history between India and Mauritius, with plans to support the Mahatma Gandhi Institute in digitising records of indentured workers. India also committed to providing training for the Institute's staff through its National Archives, demonstrating a deep respect for their shared heritage.
Moreover, Jaishankar announced a significant step towards enhancing space cooperation, with India preparing to launch a satellite for Mauritius. This partnership in space technology signifies the growing trust and collaboration between the two nations.
The Minister also delivered a royalty payment cheque of 1.3 million Mauritian rupees, earned from the sale of nautical charts produced through a joint hydrographic service. This gesture underscores the collaborative efforts in maritime initiatives.
Looking ahead, Jaishankar is set to inaugurate a Mediclinic in Grand Bois, funded by Indian grants, adding to the list of significant projects enhancing health services in Mauritius.
He is also scheduled to visit the Civil Service College in Moka, which is nearing completion and reflects India's commitment to education and training in the region.
In closing, Jaishankar expressed that the relationship between India and Mauritius has matured into a robust partnership, serving as a model for development cooperation. He reaffirmed India's dedication to further strengthening this critical alliance, which plays a vital role in the Indian Ocean region's future.
This visit not only reinforces India's enduring commitment to Mauritius but also highlights the ongoing cooperation that benefits both nations and promotes stability and prosperity in the region.
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