Dr. Ravindra Chnadran Ram Goolam, the Prime Minister of Mauritius, is currently in India for an eight-day visit, accompanied by his wife, Veena Ramgoolam. This marks his first official bilateral visit to India during his current term as Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Ramgoolam previously visited India in May 2014 for the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India and Mauritius share a long history of collaboration, dating back to 1948, even before Mauritius’ independence. This partnership has fostered deep ties across various sectors, including trade, investment, education, and cultural exchange. India has become a prominent trading partner for Mauritius.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, speaking on the visit, reiterated the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and underscored Mauritius’ strategic importance within the Global South. One major outcome of the visit is the offering of a special economic package to Mauritius, encompassing multiple facets. These include the development of the Port of Port Louis, support for the surveillance of the Chagos Marine Protected Area, and blended financial assistance through grants and lines of credit for major projects. Additionally, talks are ongoing between the central banks of the two nations to facilitate trade in local currencies, further reinforcing their partnership.