PM Modi, Mauritius PM hold bilateral talks during Varanasi visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met his Mauritian counterpart Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam in his parliamentary constituency, marking the first formal bilateral meeting with a foreign head of government in Kashi. The meeting underscored India’s growing diplomatic engagements outside New Delhi, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to deepening the India–Mauritius partnership.Amid the sound of drums and conch shells, Modi’s convoy entered the city around 11:30 a.m. to a rousing welcome by BJP leaders, party workers, and local residents chanting “Har Har Mahadev.” People showered flower petals along the route, while some also waved Mauritian flags in a display of cultural affinity. The Prime Minister landed at Babatpur airport from Delhi, where he was received by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, before proceeding to Hotel Taj for delegation-level talks.
According to information,discussions between the two leaders focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors, including health, education, energy, science and technology, renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, and the blue economy. Building on Modi’s March 2025 visit to Mauritius—when ties were elevated to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership—the two sides signed multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to further institutionalize cooperation.PM Modi, addressing the media, described Mauritius as “an important pillar of India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR,” adding that India and Mauritius are “not just partners but a family.” He emphasized India’s continued support for Mauritius’s sovereignty and development, announcing a special economic package aimed at boosting infrastructure, creating jobs, and strengthening healthcare facilities. He also highlighted new initiatives, including a Directorate of Science and Technology in Mauritius, training programs under Mission Karmayogi, and cooperation on a 17.5 MW floating solar power project.

VIDEO | Varanasi: PM Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) says: “Mauritius is an important pillar of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and vision 'MAHASAGAR'. Today, we held a comprehensive review of all aspects of our bilateral cooperation. We also exchanged views on regional and… pic.twitter.com/liRVTt3mmw

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 11, 2025

The two leaders also announced steps to facilitate trade in local currency and expanded collaboration in maritime security. Agreements were signed between Indian institutions such as IIT Madras and the University of Mauritius, particularly in the fields of education, hydrography, and renewable energy.Ramgoolam, on his fourth official visit to India, expressed gratitude for India’s sustained support, stating: “India’s generous assistance and expertise in key sectors continues to make a tangible difference in improving the quality of life of Mauritians. This visit reflects the spirit of friendship and shared heritage that unites our two nations.”Later in the evening, Ramgoolam is scheduled to attend the Ganga aarti, followed by a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath temple on Friday morning. BJP leaders noted that while Modi had earlier hosted French President Emmanuel Macron and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Varanasi, Thursday’s engagement marked the city’s first formal bilateral summit.With Varanasi decked up with hoardings, tricolour displays, and tightened three-layer security, Modi’s 52nd visit to his constituency since 2014 also carried symbolic significance. The day-long trip will conclude with the Prime Minister conducting an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Uttarakhand, reaffirming his dual focus on diplomacy and domestic responsibilities.