Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritius counterpart, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, met in Varanasi on September 11, 2025, for key bilateral talks aimed at bolstering the already strong relationship between the two nations. The meeting, held at Hotel Taj, marks the first time PM Modi has hosted a formal bilateral meeting with a foreign head of government in his parliamentary constituency.
Dr. Ramgoolam is currently on a State visit to India from September 9-16, 2025. He arrived in Mumbai on September 9th and was welcomed by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel in Varanasi. This visit is his first overseas bilateral visit to India in his present term. Earlier, in 2014, Ramgoolam attended PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony as the only non-SAARC leader invited.
The meeting in Varanasi underscores the civilizational connection, spiritual linkages, and enduring people-to-people bonds that have long defined the special relationship between India and Mauritius. The two leaders are expected to review the entire spectrum of cooperation, with particular emphasis on development partnership and capacity building. Discussions will also explore opportunities for expanding collaboration in various sectors including healthcare, education, science and technology, energy, and infrastructure. Special focus will be given to renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, and the blue economy.
Prior to the meeting with PM Modi, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with PM Ramgoolam in Varanasi to discuss the multifaceted partnership and reaffirm the commitment to strengthening the India-Mauritius Enhanced Strategic Partnership.
This visit builds upon the momentum of PM Modi's visit to Mauritius in March 2025, during which the two countries elevated their relationship to an "Enhanced Strategic Partnership". During that visit, the two nations signed eight pacts to boost ties in several sectors, including maritime security, and to promote trade in local currencies. This enhanced partnership reflects a deeper commitment to cooperation across various sectors, including trade, security, and governance.
India considers Mauritius a key maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean Region and an important partner in its Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region) and the 'Neighbourhood First Policy'. India has also supported Mauritius in protecting its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) through the provisioning of defense and maritime assets, regular deployment of ships and aircraft, joint maritime surveillance, and information sharing.
PM Modi is scheduled to depart for Dehradun following the talks, where he will conduct an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Uttarakhand and chair a review meeting with officials.
The Mauritius PM is also scheduled to attend the Ganga 'aarti' and visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple before his departure on September 16.
