New Delhi: On Thursday, India unveiled a Special Economic Package for Mauritius valued at nearly USD 680 million (MUR 30 billion), focusing on health, infrastructure, and maritime security sectors during the ongoing state visit of Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam to India.
This package encompasses various projects aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
During a special briefing by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri regarding Mauritius PM Navin Ramgoolam's visit to India, he stated, "One of the significant outcomes of this visit is our commitment to provide a special economic package to Mauritius."
"This package includes several components, such as the development of the port of Port Louis, support for the surveillance of the Chagos Marine Protected area, and blended financial assistance in the form of grants and a line of credit for key projects," he further explained.
This announcement follows productive discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritian PM Ramgoolam on a variety of bilateral issues.
According to the Prime Minister's office, "Based on the requests made by the Government of Mauritius, the following projects have been agreed upon, in principle, to be collaboratively executed by India and Mauritius."
Under the special economic package, both nations have reached an agreement on several significant projects. These projects encompass the construction of the New Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital, the establishment of an AYUSH Centre of Excellence, a Veterinary School and Animal Hospital, as well as the provision of helicopters for Mauritius. The total estimated cost for these projects and assistance is approximately USD 215 million (around MUR 9.80 billion).
Furthermore, initiatives such as the completion of the new ATC tower at SSR International Airport, the development of Motorway M4, the advancement of the Ring Road Phase II, and the acquisition of port equipment by CHCL will be executed on a grant-cum-LOC basis. The estimated cost for these projects is USD 440 million (MUR 20.10 billion).
On a strategic level, India and Mauritius have also agreed to work together on the redevelopment and restructuring of the Port in Mauritius. Additionally, the two countries will collaborate on the development and monitoring of the Chagos Marine Protected Area, a project of considerable environmental significance.
Moreover, the Indian government has pledged to provide budgetary assistance of USD 25 million for the current financial year to support ongoing initiatives and bilateral projects.
Earlier today, PM Modi and his Mauritian counterpart held a joint press briefing in Varanasi, where they finalized multiple agreements.
The two leaders, prior to their joint press conference in Varanasi, engaged in extensive discussions that encompassed bilateral, regional, and global matters, which concluded with the signing of seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) across various sectors, such as science and technology, oceanography, public administration, power, small development projects, hydrography, and space cooperation.
Among the key agreements was a space collaboration arrangement aimed at establishing telemetry, tracking, and communication stations, along with a renewed commitment to maritime research and hydrographic mapping.
In the field of education, MoUs were also revealed between the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras and the University of Mauritius, as well as between the Indian Institute of Plantation Management, Bengaluru and the University of Mauritius.
Furthermore, it was announced that NTPC Ltd. will soon dispatch a team to Mauritius to finalize an agreement for the development of a 17.5 MW Floating Solar PV Project at Tamarind Falls.
During the press briefing, Prime Minister Modi congratulated PM Ramgoolam on the recent advancements concerning the Chagos Archipelago, describing it as a historic victory for Mauritius's independence and reaffirming India's enduring support for decolonization.
PM Modi also emphasized the special bond between India and Mauritius, reiterating that the Indian Ocean nation is a crucial pillar of India's Neighbourhood First policy and vision, MAHASAGAR.
Prime Minister Ramgoolam conveyed his profound gratitude for India's contribution to the advancement of Mauritius, emphasizing that the bilateral relationship is now anchored not only in historical connections but also in shared principles, mutual respect, and a progressive development agenda.
Ramgoolam is currently on an official visit to India from September 9 to 16. He arrived in Varanasi on September 9, where he received a ceremonial welcome and a Guard of Honour. Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel was there to greet him.
Previously, PM Ramgoolam visited India in May 2014 as the sole non-SAARC leader invited to the swearing-in ceremony of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
