PM Modi Embarks on Two-Day Mauritius Visit to Boost Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed New Delhi after midnight on March 11, 2025, for a two-day visit to Mauritius, aiming to deepen bilateral ties. Invited by Mauritian PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Modi will attend Mauritius’ National Day celebrations on March 12, signaling a “new and bright chapter” in the nations’ relationship, he said in a departure statement.

Modi’s visit, spanning March 11-12, underscores Mauritius’ strategic importance as a maritime neighbor and gateway to Africa. He expressed eagerness to engage with Mauritian leaders to elevate the partnership across all dimensions, fostering progress and prosperity for both peoples while bolstering security in the Indian Ocean under India’s SAGAR vision—Security And Growth for All in the Region.

The National Day festivities will feature a strong Indian presence, with a contingent of armed forces, an Indian Navy warship, and the Akash Ganga skydiving team joining the celebrations. Modi highlighted the deep historical, geographical, and cultural bonds tying India and Mauritius, rooted in mutual trust, democratic values, and diversity.

The visit builds on a decade of “significant strides” in people-centric initiatives, Modi noted. From maritime security to capacity-building, the nations share a robust partnership, exemplified by numerous India-assisted development projects across Mauritius and a thriving trade relationship, with India among its top trading partners.

Economically, ties have soared, with Mauritius ranking as India’s second-largest source of foreign direct investment in 2023-24, trailing only Singapore. The 2021 Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA), India’s first trade deal with an African nation, has further solidified this bond after years of talks.

Modi’s trip promises to reinforce these connections, blending celebration with diplomacy. As he joins Mauritius’ National Day, the visit symbolizes a shared commitment to a prosperous, secure future in the Indian Ocean region, grounded in a rich, enduring friendship.