By Bl New Delhi

Copyright thehindubusinessline

Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam is in India on an eight-day official visit to strengthen bilateral economic and strategic ties with the country.

“The visit will focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas including development partnership, marine research, maritime safety and security, health, academic cooperation, science and technology, and capacity building,” sources told businessline.

Ramgoolam, who arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday, will travel to Varanasi on Wednesday by a special flight and will participate in a bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in the city the following day.

“This will be the first overseas bilateral visit of Prime Minister Ramgoolam to India in his present term,” Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a recent media briefing.

His last official visit to India was more than 10 years ago as the only non-SAARC leader invited to the swearing-in ceremony of the government in 2014.

This visit follows Modi’s State visit to Mauritius in March 2025 as the chief guest for Mauritius’ National Day Celebrations. During the visit, the ties between India and Mauritius were elevated to ‘enhanced strategic partnership’,a first in the neighbourhood.

In Mumbai, the Mauritian PM is scheduled to attend a business event on Wednesday before leaving for Varanasi. Ramgoolam will also visit Ayodhya and Tirupati and end his trip in New Delhi.

“Mauritius plays a central role in India’s ‘neighbourhood first’, ‘vision MAHASAGAR’ and its commitment to the Global South. It reaffirms the enduring commitment of both countries to further deepen their unique and special relationship,” an official said.

Mauritius was a ‘special invitee’ for G20 Summit in 2023 and co-launched Global Biofuels Alliance with India and other countries on its sidelines.

Published on September 9, 2025