High Commission of India

Port Louis

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Press Release

Foreign Secretary’s visit to Mauritius, 12-14 April 2023

  Foreign Secretary of India, Shri Vinay Kwatra, arrived in Mauritius on 12 April 2023 for an official visit from 12-14 April 2023. This was the Foreign Secretary’s first official visit to Mauritius, a key partner and trusted friend of India under India’s ‘neighbourhood first’ policy and SAGAR vision for the Indian Ocean Region.  During his visit, Foreign Secretary Kwatra met with key leaders and officials in the Government of Mauritius and reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations. 

2. On 13 April 2023, the Foreign Secretary called on Hon. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Prime Minister of Mauritius and had fruitful discussions. They recalled the special and unique relationship between India and Mauritius that has translated into exceptionally close cooperation in various fields. Both sides expressed satisfaction regarding the smooth execution of ongoing projects such as Phase IV of the Metro, Civil Services College, 8 MW Solar Power Plant at Henrietta, Renal Transplant unit, Forensics Science Lab, National Archives & Library, Mauritius Police Academy, Community Development Projects, Mediclinic and Area Health Centres.  They welcomed Mauritius participation as a ‘special invitee’ to the G20 under India’s Presidency in the 75th year of diplomatic relations between India and Mauritius, as a milestone in further strengthening the bilateral partnership.  They also welcomed the recently agreed bilateral agreements in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Information and Broadcasting, and Employment of Workers.  The two sides also reviewed ongoing cooperation in diverse areas, such as the Ayush Centre of Excellence (ACE), Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA), Special Rupee Vostro Account mechanism for settlement of bilateral trade transactions and proposed launch of India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Payment System and RuPay card in Mauritius. 

3. During the visit, Foreign Secretary Shri Vinay Kwatra also called on Hon. Alan Ganoo, Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail & Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade. The discussions, inter-alia, covered potential opportunities for India’s assistance in pharma and ICT sectors as well as greening the Mauritian Public transport sector. 

4. Foreign Secretary also held delegation level talks with Secretary to Cabinet Mr. Premode Neerunjun, Secretary for Foreign Affairs Mr. Joyker Nayeck and other senior officials in the Government of Mauritius. He also met senior leaders across the political spectrum of Mauritius and exchanged ideas about strengthening India-Mauritius ties. 

5. The visit also provided the Foreign Secretary an opportunity to visit the iconic Mahatma Gandhi Metro Station at Reduit, which was inaugurated on 22 January 2023 in the context of the celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Mauritius. 

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14 April 2023
Ebene