India and Mauritius on Thursday pledged to deepen economic and maritime cooperation, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing that the two nations would work towards enabling trade in their local currencies.
Speaking after wide-ranging discussions with his Mauritian counterpart Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Varanasi, Modi underlined the shared heritage and aspirations binding the two nations. “India and Mauritius are two countries, but their dreams and destiny are one,” he told the media.
Modi emphasised that ensuring a “free, open, secure, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean” remains a shared priority. “In this context, India is fully committed to strengthening the security and maritime capacity of Mauritius' Exclusive Economic Zone,” he said. Reiterating New Delhi’s role in regional stability, he added, “India has always stood as the first responder and a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region.”
The Indian leader also hailed Mauritius’ recent diplomatic breakthrough, congratulating Ramgoolam on the conclusion of the Chagos agreement. He described the settlement as a “historic victory” for the island nation’s sovereignty. “India has always supported decolonisation and the full recognition of Mauritius's sovereignty. And in this, India has stood firmly with Mauritius,” Modi said.
The Chagos Islands, including the strategic atoll of Diego Garcia, had remained under British control for over five decades. In May, the United Kingdom agreed to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius, while retaining full responsibility for security on Diego Garcia. The agreement has been viewed in Port Louis as a milestone in reversing colonial legacies.
Ramgoolam is on a week-long state visit to India, his first overseas bilateral engagement since assuming office in his present term. His itinerary includes visits to Ayodhya and Tirupati. Modi had travelled to Mauritius earlier this year in March, underscoring the rhythm of exchanges between the two partners.
Also read: PM Modi meets Mauritius PM Ramgoolam in Varanasi
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