Amid political unrest in Mauritius, Union External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar yesterday (21 January) landed in the African nation in a bid to boost the bilateral ties between the two nation, reports Times of India.

One of India's key partners in the Indian Ocean region, Mauritius has been witnessing political upheaval lately with opposition parties and civil society groups demanding the resignation of incumbent Prime Minister (PM) Pravind Jugnauth and his Government.

It should be noted that Dr Jaishankar's visit to Mauritius comes at a time when the nation's Foreign Minister Nandcoomar Bodha has resigned from the Government and has positioned himself as a challenger to PM Jagnauth for the top post.

Commenting on Dr Jaishankar's visit, Bodha has meanwhile termed the visit important in the light of the free trade agreement that the two nations are signing. He said, "It will open up trade and investment ties between India and Mauritius. Mauritius will be able to export certain goods to India. It will help India access Africa through Mauritius. We're part of African Union and SADC."

Emphasising that India is opening up to Africa, Bodha said, "We can be useful."

Bodha also stated that India a key role in ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean and the Indo-Pacific. He also added, "We've an issue of sovereignty and a dispute with the United Kingdom and the United States. I think India can be instrumental in bringing everyone together to find a solution for us."