Maritime security to infra on table, Modi meets new Mauritius leaders

IN A STRATEGIC outreach to the new leadership in Mauritius, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met newly-elected Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam and President Dharam Gokhool Tuesday as he began a two-day visit to the island nation.

- SHUBHAJIT ROY

The engagement with the new leadership is important in the context of the Indian government's involvement in developing infrastructure in Mauritius under the previous government led by Anerood and Pravind Jugnauth.

The decision to develop infrastructure in Agalega islands was taken during the Jugnauth government. So, Delhi is making an effort to reach out to the new regime led by Ramgoolam. Mauritius has been ruled by the Ramgoolams and the Jugnauths ever since the country became independent in 1968.

Modi was received at the airport by Prime Minister Ramgoolam, who was joined by the Deputy Prime Minister, Chief Justice of Mauritius, Speaker of the National Assembly, Leader of the Opposition, foreign minister, Cabinet Secretary, Chairperson of Grand Port District Council and a total of 200 dignitaries. During the meet with President Gokhool, both the leaders exchanged views on deepening the special & close bilateral ties.