PM Modi, Mauritian PM Pravind Jugnauth inaugurate airstrip, jetty, 6 other India-assisted projects in Mauritius

PM Modi, Mauritian PM Pravind Jugnauth inaugurate airstrip, jetty, 6 other India-assisted projects in Mauritius

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritian counterpart, Pravind Jugnauth, on Thursday inaugurated a series of infrastructure projects on the Agalega island of Mauritius. The projects include a new airstrip, a jetty, and six community development initiatives, all designed to enhance connectivity and bolster maritime security and surveillance in the Indian Ocean region.

PM Modi, in the virtual ceremony, highlighted the strategic partnership between India and Mauritius, emphasizing their natural alignment in addressing both traditional and non-traditional challenges in the Indian Ocean. These challenges, he said, impact the economic well-being of both nations.

PM Modi underscored the collaborative efforts of India and Mauritius in various areas, including monitoring exclusive economic zones, joint patrolling, hydrography, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Agalega Island projects

The inauguration of the airstrip and jetty on Agalega island is expected to contribute significantly to advancing this partnership. PM Modi expressed satisfaction that Mauritius is the first country to join India’s Jan Aushadhi scheme, aimed at providing affordable and quality medicines.

Addressing challenges in the Indian OceanAddressing the concerns over emerging challenges in the Indian Ocean region, PM Modi said, “India and Mauritius are natural partners in the field of maritime security to deal with the challenges.” This statement comes amid growing apprehensions in New Delhi regarding China’s increasing military presence in the Indian Ocean, traditionally considered the Indian Navy’s domain.

‘Neighborhood First’ policy

Underlining the importance of Mauritius in India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy, PM Modi said that bilateral development partnerships have been a cornerstone of their strategic relations. He emphasized that India’s efforts aim to bring meaningful changes to the lives of the people of Mauritius, respecting the island nation’s priorities.

India and Mauritius: ‘A vibrant, strong, and unique partnership’

Describing the partnership between India and Mauritius as “vibrant, strong, and unique,” Modi emphasized the exponential growth in relations over the past decade. He termed Mauritius as a special partner under India’s ‘SAGAR’ vision (Security and Growth For All in the Region).

Projects inaugurated amidst growing collaboration

The inauguration of these projects follows the recent launch of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) systems and RuPay card services in Mauritius. Jugnauth hailed the event as a “great moment” for the partnership between the two nations, marking the fulfillment of commitments made by PM Modi in 2015.

He expressed gratitude for the exemplary collaboration between Mauritius and India, calling it a historic day for the island of Agalega.

(With inputs from agencies)

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