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 is the Prime Minister’s first official bilateral visit to India since assuming his current office.
Prime Minister Ramgoolam previously visited India in May 2014 to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The relationship between India and Mauritius has been strong since 1948, even before Mauritius gained its independence. This enduring partnership has evolved into a robust collaboration across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, education, and culture.
India has become one of Mauritius’s most important trading partners.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, discussing the visit, underscored the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and highlighted the significance of Mauritius within the Global South. A key outcome of the visit is India’s commitment to provide a special economic package to Mauritius. This package comprises several components, including the development of the Port of Port Louis, support for the surveillance of the Chagos Marine Protected Area, and a combination of financial assistance through grants and lines of credit for key projects. Discussions are also ongoing between the central banks of both nations to enhance cooperation, including trade in local currencies.