VARANASI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have bilateral talks with his Mauritian counterpart, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, in his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi on Thursday.
At around 11.30 a.m. in Varanasi, PM Modi will host his Ramgoolam, who is on a state visit to India from September 9-16. The city is all decked up for the high-level meeting with elaborate arrangements and decorations.
The meeting in the ancient city of Varanasi will highlight the civilisational connect, spiritual linkages, and enduring people-to-people bonds that have long defined the special relationship between India and Mauritius.
During their bilateral discussions, the two leaders are expected to review the entire spectrum of cooperation, with particular emphasis on development partnership and capacity building.
They will also explore new avenues of collaboration in healthcare, education, science and technology, energy, and infrastructure, while giving special focus to renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, and the blue economy.
The upcoming talks build upon the positive momentum of Prime Minister Modi's state visit to Mauritius in March this year, during which India and Mauritius elevated their ties to an 'Enhanced Strategic Partnership'.
As a close maritime neighbour and valued partner in the Indian Ocean Region, Mauritius plays a pivotal role in advancing India's MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region) Vision and the 'Neighbourhood First' policy.
The partnership is also seen as an important contribution to the collective aspirations of the Global South.
The Varanasi Summit is expected to serve as a landmark in India–Mauritius relations, reinforcing their shared commitment to mutual prosperity, sustainable development, and a secure and inclusive future.
Earlier, on Wednesday, Ramgoolam expressed that the India-Mauritius partnership will last forever, saying that the island nation is the most reliable partner for India and there are huge business opportunities.
He called for further strengthening of historical, cultural and economic relations between India and Mauritius.