External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has reaffirmed India’s “consistent and continued” support to Mauritius in its quest for progress as he held wide-ranging talks with the country’s leadership to cement the bilateral ties which are critical for the future of the Indian Ocean region.
Jaishankar is here for a two-day visit for “productive engagements” during which he also reaffirmed India’s support to Mauritius on the issue of its territory usurped by the UK, the Chagos Archipelago. The gesture was swiftly appreciated by the island nation.
After Jaishankar’s re-appointment in the third term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government last month, this visit to the Indian Ocean island nation marks one of his first bilateral engagements and described as a “testimony of the enduring relationship between India and Mauritius” by the host.
Jaishankar said his visit to Mauritius – what he termed as ‘this beautiful country’ – underscores the strength and depth of the bilateral ties. “It is also an opportunity to underline India’s unwavering commitment to its special and enduring partnership with Mauritius,” he said at an event attended by Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth.
“India’s ties with Mauritius have blossomed into a robust and multifaceted partnership. The bilateral relation with Mauritius serves as a role model for India’s successful development collaboration abroad,” Jaishankar said.
“India remains committed to strengthening this critical partnership that is so important for the future of the Indian Ocean region,” he said, amidst the Chinese navy’s increasing forays into the region.
During the meeting, Jaishankar and PM Jugnauth discussed “various aspects of bilateral ties, including the Development Partnership, Defence and Maritime Corporation, economic and trade ties, and people-to-people linkages,” he said.
“I reiterated India’s consistent and continued support to Mauritius in its quest for progress and prosperity,” he said.
Jugnauth posted on X after the meeting and the event: “I am delighted to welcome the Indian Minister of External Affairs @DrSJaishankar. His visit is a testimony of the enduring relationship between India and Mauritius. We remain committed to pursuing our collaboration for the advancement of both our Nations.”
Jaishankar too posted on X about the meeting, “Honoured to call on PM @KumarJugnauth today in Port Louis. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi. Took stock of our special and enduring partnership and appreciated its further broadening.”
आज पोर्ट लुइस में प्रधानमंत्री @KumarJugnauth से मुलाकात कर सम्मानित महसूस कर रहा हूँ। उन्हें प्रधानमंत्री @narendramodi की ओर से शुभकामनाएँ दी।
हमारी विशेष और दृढ़ साझेदारी का जायज़ा लिया और इसे और व्यापक बनाने की बात की।
🇮🇳-🇲🇺 के बीच निरंतर सहयोग और संबंधों के और मजबूत होने… https://t.co/Ve0uy1Lphc
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 16, 2024
“Looking forward to the continued collaboration and strengthening of India-Mauritius relations,” he added.
Jaishankar met Mauritius Deputy Prime Minister Steven Obeegadoo for a productive luncheon meeting along with officials from both sides. “India attaches utmost importance to Mauritius as part of our Neighborhood First, SAGAR and Forward Africa policies,” he posted on X after the meeting.
Jaishankar concluded his speech at the event by affirming that India remains committed to strengthening the critical partnership with Mauritius that is “so important for the future of the Indian Ocean region.”
“As we look at our deep and enduring relationship, Prime Minister, I would like to again assure you today that on the issue of Chagos, India will continue its consistent support to Mauritius in line with its principal stand on decolonisation and support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations,” Jaishankar said.
Perhaps driven by a common colonial past – India was a colony of Great Britain – the sentiment was immediately reciprocated by Mauritius’ Foreign Minister Maneesh Gobin.
“We express our deep gratitude to @DrSJaishankar for reaffirming #India consistent support to #Mauritius regarding the #ChagosArchipelago, in alignment with India’s principled stance on #decolonisation, #sovereignty, and #TerritorialIntegrity,” Gobin posted on X soon after the event.
