Mauritius Strengthens Ties with India Through Key Development Initiatives
Port Louis, Mauritius: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate over 20 India-funded projects in Mauritius during his two-day State Visit. These projects, ranging from capacity-building initiatives to community-linked infrastructure, highlight the strengthening partnership between India and the Southeast African island nation.
Key Infrastructure Projects to be Inaugurated
PM Modi, along with his Mauritian counterpart Navin Ramgoolam, will jointly inaugurate the newly constructed Civil Services College building. The project, completed at an approximate cost of USD 4.75 million, aims to enhance administrative training and governance in Mauritius. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this initiative was signed in 2017.
Apart from the Civil Services College, Modi will also e-inaugurate the Area Health Centre and 20 community development projects, which have been constructed at a cost of approximately INR 7 crores. These projects include sports-related infrastructure, such as football fields and other facilities across Mauritius.
Boosting Community Development and Healthcare
Anurag Srivastava, India’s High Commissioner to Mauritius, emphasized the significance of community development projects. “These are grassroots-level projects that are implemented quickly and efficiently. Some of them focus on sports, fostering community engagement and well-being,” he stated.
Mauritian authorities are making final preparations in Port Louis for PM Modi’s visit. Bedouin Site Manager Rambojun Siddharth confirmed that preparations for the inauguration of the Civil Services College are on track. “The leaders will gather at the Cubical Sphere Auditorium next to the College. We are aiming to complete all arrangements before March 12,” he said, expressing gratitude to India for its contributions.
India’s Commitment to Mauritius’ Development
India’s continued support to Mauritius is evident in the numerous projects that have been successfully completed. The National Archives and Library building, another India-funded initiative, is currently under construction. Baljeet Sharma, Project Director of Varindera Construction Limited, highlighted India’s efficiency in delivering projects on time. “Our company has built several India-funded projects in Mauritius, including 956 housing projects, two area health centers, and a Renal Transplant Centre at Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital,” Sharma said.
Mauritian Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful announced that a new MoU on a line of credit for water pipeline replacement will be signed during Modi’s visit.
India-Mauritius Partnership: A Strong Bond
India’s contribution to Mauritius’ development is long-standing. In January 2022, both nations signed an MoU to implement 96 community development projects, of which 51 have already been inaugurated. Additionally, in 2016, India granted Mauritius USD 353 million under a Special Economic Package for five major projects, including:
- The Metro Express Project
- The Supreme Court Building
- The New ENT Hospital
- The Social Housing Project
- Digital tablets for schoolchildren
Furthermore, in 2017, India provided a USD 500 million Line of Credit to finance ten additional projects, including the expansion of the Metro Project, Social Housing initiatives, and the construction of the Mauritius Police Academy.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Ahead of his visit, PM Modi expressed confidence that the trip will open a “new and bright chapter” in the relationship between India and Mauritius. The series of inaugurations and agreements further reinforce India’s role as a key development partner for Mauritius, fostering economic growth and strengthening diplomatic ties.
