'MAHASAGAR' vision for Global South unveiled

India and Mauritius on Wednesday elevated their ties to 'enhanced strategic partnership' and inked eight pacts to boost ties in several sectors, including maritime security, and promote trade in local currencies, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled an ambitious vision for growth and security of the Global South.

- AGENCIES

On the second and final day of his two-day trip to Mauritius, Modi graced the national day celebrations of the island nation as the chief guest and announced a raft of development projects for the strategically-located country.

Following talks with his Mauritian counterpart Navinchandra Ramgoolam, PM Modi announced India's new vision for Global South and named it "MAHASAGAR" or "Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions", a policy approach that came against the backdrop of China's relentless attempts to expand its influence in the Indian Ocean.

"We are committed to extend full cooperation in the security of Mauritius' Exclusive Economic Zone," the prime minister said.

In the meeting, Modi reiterated India's continued support and assistance to Mauritius in augmenting its defence and security needs given the shared objectives of the two nations in the region.

The PM said a free, open, secure, and safe Indian Ocean is the common priority of India and Mauritius and that he and Ramgoolam agreed that defence cooperation and maritime security are an important part of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The two sides also unveiled a 'Joint Vision for an Enhanced Strategic Partnership' that outlined the futuristic approach in expanding bilateral cooperation in a range of areas including in defence and maritime security, trade, health and education, and space and climate change.