Visit emphasises the importance India attaches to its relationship with Mauritius
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's three-day official visit to Mauritius, which concluded on December 22, 2024, marked another step in enhancing the enduring ties between the two nations, deeply rooted in shared history, culture, and people-centered development.

During his visit, Foreign Secretary Misri engaged with key leaders of Mauritius, including President Dharambeer Gokhool, Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Deputy Prime Minister Paul Berenger, and Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful.

In his meeting with Prime Minister Ramgoolam, Foreign Secretary Misri extended congratulations on the Prime Minister’s recent electoral victory. He reiterated India’s commitment to supporting the development, progress, and prosperity of Mauritius and invited PM Ramgoolam to visit India on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Discussions covered the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, with a focus on further strengthening the unique partnership between the two countries.

The visit followed a congratulatory phone call from PM Modi to PM Ramgoolam on November 11, 2024, shortly after the latter’s electoral victory. Foreign Secretary Misri’s visit reinforced this sentiment and emphasized the importance India attaches to its relationship with Mauritius.

This engagement aligns with India’s Neighbourhood First, Vision Sagar, and Africa Forward policies, as well as its broader commitment to the Global South. 

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit reaffirmed the continued commitment from both sides to deepen the multi-dimensional bilateral partnership for the prosperity and development of both countries and the larger Indian Ocean Region.

Highlights of the Visit
Aapravasi Ghat Visit: Foreign Secretary Misri visited Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site symbolising the historical ties between India and Mauritius. The site, which commemorates the arrival of Indian indentured laborers, serves as a poignant reminder of the deep-rooted connections between the two nations.

Development Projects: Misri reviewed ongoing Indian-backed projects in Mauritius, including the construction of the Civil Service College and an Area Health Centre in Cap Malheureux. 

Environmental Initiative: As part of the “Ek Ped Maa ke Naam” initiative, Misri planted a Norfolk Island Pine sapling. 

Strengthening Cultural and Economic Bonds
With 70% of Mauritius’ population of Indian origin, the two countries share a unique cultural and historical connection. This shared heritage continues to strengthen bilateral ties, encompassing:

Tourism: The visa-free regime introduced in 2004 has fostered people-to-people interactions, with approximately 80,000 Indian tourists visiting Mauritius annually.

Education: Over 2,000 Indian students are pursuing higher education in Mauritius in fields such as medicine and business, further reinforcing educational exchanges.

OCI Provisions: Special provisions for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards for Mauritians of Indian descent highlight the strong cultural bridge between the two nations.

Mauritius holds strategic importance for India as a key partner in the Indian Ocean region. The bilateral partnership spans multiple dimensions, including maritime security, trade, and infrastructure development. Foreign Secretary Misri’s visit underscores India’s unwavering commitment to deepening its relationship with Mauritius.