Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a roadshow in Varanasi, his constituency in Uttar Pradesh, receiving a warm reception. The roadshow route stretched from the Police Line to Hotel Taj. The Prime Minister is set to host the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who is on a State Visit to India from September 9-16. Ahead of the bilateral meeting, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri engaged with Ramgoolam. Uttar Pradesh minister Dayashankar Mishra welcomed the forthcoming discussions between PM Modi and the Mauritian PM, highlighting the potential for further strengthening bilateral relations. Mishra underscored the significance of Mauritius as a close partner, often described as the ‘second India’.
Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam had previously arrived in Kashi, the cultural heart of India. Discussions between the two leaders are expected. Ramgoolam was given a ceremonial welcome and a Guard of Honour upon his arrival in Kashi on September 9. The meeting in Varanasi signifies the enduring ties between India and Mauritius, including civilizational connections, spiritual bonds, and strong people-to-people relations.
The bilateral talks will involve a comprehensive review of cooperation, emphasizing development partnerships and capacity building. The leaders will explore expanding collaboration in health, education, science & technology, energy, infrastructure, and emerging areas like renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, and the blue economy. This visit builds upon the ‘Enhanced Strategic Partnership’ established during PM Modi’s State Visit to Mauritius in March 2025. Mauritius, a key maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean Region, is critical to India’s MAHASAGAR Vision and ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. The deepening cooperation holds significance for both countries’ prosperity and the collective goals of the Global South. Following the events in Varanasi, the Prime Minister will travel to Dehradun for an aerial assessment of the flood-affected areas in Uttarakhand, followed by a high-level review meeting.