Thu Sep 11 08:53:12 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam met in Varanasi on September 11, 2025, to discuss strengthening bilateral relations. Key discussion points included enabling trade in local currencies, ensuring a free and secure Indian Ocean, and India’s commitment to bolstering Mauritius’ maritime security. Modi congratulated Mauritius on the successful conclusion of the Chagos agreement, reiterating India’s support for the island nation’s sovereignty and decolonization. Ramgoolam is on a state visit to India from September 9-16, his first overseas bilateral visit in his current term.
**News Article:**
**India and Mauritius Forge Closer Ties, Eye Trade in Local Currencies**
**Varanasi, September 11, 2025** – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritian counterpart, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, met in Varanasi today, solidifying the strong relationship between the two nations and outlining plans for future collaboration. A key focus of the discussion was enabling bilateral trade in local currencies, a move that would further strengthen economic ties.
“India and Mauritius are two countries, but their dreams and destiny are one,” stated Prime Minister Modi, highlighting the deep-rooted connections between the two nations. Both leaders emphasized the importance of a free, open, secure, stable, and prosperous Indian Ocean, with India pledging its full commitment to strengthening the security and maritime capacity of Mauritius’ Exclusive Economic Zone. India has consistently positioned itself as a first responder and net security provider in the Indian Ocean region.
Prime Minister Modi also extended congratulations to Prime Minister Ramgoolam and the people of Mauritius on the successful conclusion of the Chagos agreement, calling it a “historic victory” for the island nation’s sovereignty. The agreement saw the United Kingdom agree to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, to Mauritius after more than 50 years.
“India has always supported decolonisation and the full recognition of Mauritius’s sovereignty. And in this, India has stood firmly with Mauritius,” Modi affirmed.
Prime Minister Ramgoolam is currently on a state visit to India from September 9th to 16th, his first overseas bilateral visit in his present term. His itinerary includes visits to Ayodhya and Tirupati. Prime Minister Modi visited Mauritius in March of this year. The meeting underscores the continued commitment of both India and Mauritius to strengthening their strategic partnership and working together for a more secure and prosperous future.
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