Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced a special economic package for Mauritius and underscored that India and the island nation are “not just partners but a family”. Through the package, India will help Mauritius build hospitals, roads and deliver choppers. Seven MoU were signed between the two nations in a meeting between PM Modi and his Mauritius counterpart Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Varanasi. PM Modi said, “India takes pride in being a trusted primary partner in Mauritius’ development. Today, we have announced a Special Economic Package designed to support Mauritius’ needs and priorities. This will strengthen infrastructure, create new employment opportunities, and enhance healthcare facilities.” Modi spoke about “extending India’s cooperation” through the AYUSH Centre of Excellence. “The first Jan Aushadhi Kendra outside India has now been established in Mauritius. Today, we have also decided India will extend its cooperation in establishing an AYUSH Centre of Excellence, a 500-bed Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital, as well as a Veterinary School and Animal Hospital in Mauritius,” he said. Calling the bond between the two countries an “investment in our shared future” and not a mere “assistance,” PM Modi said, “At the same time, we will also advance projects such as the Chagos Marine Protected Area; the ATC Tower at SSR International Airport; as well as the expansion of highways and ring roads.” PM Modi said India remains “fully committed to strengthening the security of Mauritius’s Exclusive Economic Zone, and enhancing its maritime capacity.” Ramgoolam praised India’s “timely support” for the improvement of quality of life in the island nation. “This visit has reaffirmed that ties between Mauritius and India are not defined merely by history or geography, a common vision and an enduring friendship,” he said. Taking a cue from the successful launch of UPI and RuPay services in Mauritius last year, the PM said both countries will now work towards enabling trade in “local currencies.” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stressed that India and Mauritius are part of an “important maritime neighbourhood and are working to address challenges related to maritime security, drug traffic, illegal fishing.”
