PM Modi to Visit Varanasi, Hold Bilateral Talks With Mauritius Counterpart

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will engage in bilateral discussions with Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Varanasi on Thursday, focusing on strengthening ties in key areas amid regional geopolitical challenges. This visit, marking Modi's 52nd trip to his Lok Sabha constituency since 2014, underscores India's commitment to fostering "enhanced strategic partnerships" with island nations, building on Modi's March 2025 state visit to Mauritius.

The talks aim to advance cooperation in development, health, education, science, technology, energy, infrastructure, renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, and the blue economy, highlighting shared interests in sustainable growth and regional stability.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will welcome Modi at the airport around 11 am, followed by the bilateral meeting. Ramgoolam, on a state visit to India from September 9 to 16, arrived in Varanasi on Wednesday and was greeted by Governor Anandiben Patel and Finance Minister Suresh Khanna. Post-meeting, the Mauritian delegation will attend the Ganga Aarti on Thursday evening, visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple on Friday morning, and enjoy a cultural program showcasing India-Mauritius historical links.

Preparations include grand welcomes by BJP workers, extensive decorations with hoardings, and three-layer security for VIP movements, given Varanasi's history of hosting global leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron (2018) and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe (2022). This marks the first formal bilateral meeting with a head of state in the city, emphasizing India's outreach to neighbors during times of regional unrest.

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BJP leaders, including city president Pradeep Agrahari, highlighted recent GST reductions on milk products as a domestic boost, with welcome points set up along the route. The event could enhance economic collaborations and cultural exchanges, reinforcing India's "neighborhood first" policy in a dynamic global landscape.

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