News Brief
PM Narendra Modi with Mauritian counterpart
Prime Minister Narendra Modi jointly inaugurated the new Airstrip at the Agalega Island with his Mauritian counterpart Pravind Jugnauth on Thursday (29 February) via video conferencing.
St James Jetty along with six community development projects was also inaugurated. These projects will fulfill the demand for better connectivity between mainland Mauritius and Agalega.
This comes just a few weeks after the launch of UPI and RuPay Card services in Mauritius by the two leaders, further strengthening the development partnership between the two countries.
Calling Mauritius a key partner of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and a special partner under Vision SAGAR, PM Modi said, "India has always respected Mauritius’s needs and acted as the first responder".
"It will improve connectivity between the North and Southern parts of Mauritius and will improve administrative connection with the mainland. Medical evacuation and transportation of school kids will improve," Modi added.
PM Modi said that India and Mauritius are the natural partners in maritime security and highlighted cooperation in monitoring of Exclusive Economic Zone, joint patrolling, hydrography, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.
Mauritian PM said, "Setting up of the new airstrip and jetty facility in Agalega is the fulfillment of yet another Mauritian dream." He informed that Mauritius has become the first nation to adopt the ‘Jan Aushadhi Scheme’.
India initiated the construction of this facility following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Mauritius in March 2015, focusing on improving sea and air transportation facilities on Agalega Island.
Agalega is located over 1,100 kilometre north of the main island of Mauritius. With a 10,000-foot runway and a jetty, it will support India’s maritime assets, including P-8Is, in the western Indian Ocean.
This is important because Indian Navy’s engagements have been relatively limited here, particularly in waters close to the western coast of Africa, while China has been investing heavily.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.
Latest