Port Louis (Mauritius), July 16 – External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Mauritius on Tuesday for a two-day visit aimed at enhancing bilateral ties through productive engagements with the Mauritian leadership.
This visit to the Indian Ocean island nation marks one of Jaishankar’s initial bilateral engagements following his re-appointment in the third term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. It underscores the significance of the India-Mauritius relationship, reflecting India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’, Vision SAGAR, and its commitment to the Global South.
Jaishankar was warmly welcomed at the airport by Maneesh Gobin, Mauritius’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and International Trade. Expressing gratitude, Jaishankar posted on X, “Namaste Mauritius! Thank you, Foreign Minister @ManeeshGobin, for the warm welcome. Look forward to productive engagements to take forward this special relationship.”
Responding to Jaishankar’s remarks, Gobin emphasized the strong and enduring partnership between the two nations. “Delighted to welcome @DrSJaishankar to Mauritius,” he posted on X, adding hashtags #IndiaMauritius and #GlobalSouth. “His visit highlights our strong partnership. Together, we continue to strengthen ties and explore new avenues of cooperation.”
During his visit, Jaishankar is scheduled to meet with Mauritius’ Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth and hold bilateral discussions with other senior ministers of the Mauritian government. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi stated, “The visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to comprehensively review various aspects of the bilateral relationship.”
This visit reaffirms the commitment of both nations to further strengthen their multi-dimensional bilateral relationship and deepen close people-to-people ties, the MEA added.
Jaishankar’s trip follows the recent visit of Mauritius’ Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth to India for the swearing-in ceremony of the new cabinet and Council of Ministers.
According to the Indian High Commission in Mauritius, India and Mauritius share close, long-standing relations rooted in historical, demographic, and cultural ties. Approximately 70 percent of Mauritius’ population of 1.2 million comprises people of Indian origin, with the remainder being 28 percent Creole, 3 percent Sino-Mauritian, and 1 percent Franco-Mauritian.
India has traditionally been a first responder to Mauritius in times of crisis, including during the recent Covid-19 and Wakashio oil-spill emergencies. In response to Mauritius’ request, India supplied 13 tonnes of medicines, 10 tonnes of Ayurvedic medicines, and an Indian Rapid Response Medical Team to assist in combating the pandemic from April to May 2020.
