India-Mauritius To Work On Trade In Local Currencies, Sidelining Dollar; PM Modi Announces Package In Varanasi Talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritian counterpart, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, held wide-ranging talks in Varanasi on 11 September, unveiling new initiatives to strengthen their “Enhanced Strategic Partnership”.

In a bilateral meeting followed by the exchange of documents, Modi underlined that the relationship between the two countries is rooted in shared history and cultural bonds, the joint press statement stated.

“India and Mauritius are not just partners but family,” he said, adding that the island nation remains an important pillar of both India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision Mahasagar.

The two leaders reviewed cooperation across sectors, with Modi congratulating Mauritius on the conclusion of the Chagos Agreement, calling it “a historic milestone for Mauritius’ sovereignty”.

He reaffirmed that “India has always supported decolonisation, and the full recognition of Mauritius’ sovereignty”.

A new Special Economic Package was announced, aimed at bolstering infrastructure, generating employment and enhancing healthcare.

Notable projects include the first Jan Aushadhi Kendra outside India, an AYUSH Centre of Excellence, a 500-bed Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital, and a Veterinary School and Animal Hospital.

India will also assist in advancing projects such as the Chagos Marine Protected Area, the ATC tower at SSR International Airport, and expansion of highways and ring roads.

Modi highlighted financial and energy sector cooperation, noting that “this package is not an assistance. It is an investment in our shared future”.

Following the launch of UPI and RuPay cards in Mauritius, the two countries will now work towards enabling trade in local currencies.

On energy, India is providing 100 electric buses, supporting a 17.5 MW floating solar power plant at Tamarind Falls, and implementing a Comprehensive Partnership Agreement in the field.

Human resource development, education and research also featured prominently.

Training programmes for civil servants, new Mission Karmayogi modules, and academic tie-ups between IIT Madras, the Indian Institute of Plantation Management and the University of Mauritius were announced.

Security cooperation was reaffirmed with commitments to strengthen Mauritius’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

Agreements cover refitting a Coast Guard vessel, training 120 officers, and conducting joint hydrographic surveys over the next five years.

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