In his departure statement ahead of his state visit to Mauritius on March 11-12 to participate in the island nation’s 57th National Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing his confidence, said this trip will “build on the foundations of the past and open a new and bright chapter in the India and Mauritius relationship.”
Maintaining that he was embarking on a visit to Mauritius at the invitation of the island nation’s Prime Minister Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Prime Minister Modi underlined deep-rooted connections between the two countries.
 
“Mauritius is a close maritime neighbour, a key partner in the Indian Ocean, and a gateway to the African Continent. We are connected by history, geography, and culture. Deep mutual trust, a shared belief in the values of democracy, and celebration of our diversity are our strengths. The close and historical people-to-people connect is a source of shared pride. We have made significant strides in the past ten years with people centric initiatives,” PM Modi said.
 
Emphasizing that his visit will impart a new dynamism to the two countries’ long-standing partnership, he said, “I look forward to the opportunity to engage the Mauritius leadership to elevate our partnership in all its facets and strength our enduring friendship for the progress and prosperity of our peoples, as well as for security and development in the Indian Ocean Region, as part of our Vision SAGAR.”
 
Earlier, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told media persons that during his two-day visit to Mauritius, the Prime Minister will visit the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden to pay homage to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the former Prime Minister, and the founding father of Mauritius, and also Sir Anerood Jugnauth, former President and former Prime Minister of Mauritius.
 
Giving details of Prime Minister Modi’s official engagements during the visit, Foreign Secretary Misri said the Indian Prime Minister will call on the new President of Mauritius, Dharambeer Gokhool, and this will be followed by bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Ramgoolam.
 
It is expected that there will be meetings with other political leaders during the visit. 

Besides, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Ramgoolam will together inaugurate a few projects that have been implemented with Indian assistance and will also witness the signing of several MOUs on cooperation in the field of capacity building, bilateral trade, tackling of cross-border financial crimes and promoting small and medium enterprises, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said.

There will also be an interaction with members of the Indian community, friends of India and socio-cultural organizations in Mauritius during the visit, Foreign Secretary Misri added.