Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India and Mauritius will soon work towards enabling trade in local currency, further deepening their economic and strategic ties.

The announcement came during Modi’s high-profile bilateral talks with visiting Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Varanasi on September 11.

The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions covering economic cooperation, infrastructure development, and regional security. They also exchanged multiple documents aimed at strengthening bilateral collaboration. “We will also take forward projects like the Chagos Marine Protected Area, the ATC tower of the SSR International Airport, and the expansion of the highway and ring road.

This package is not an assistance; it is an investment in our shared future. Last year, UPI and RuPay cards were launched in Mauritius. Now we will work towards enabling trade in local currency,” PM Modi stated.

Calling Mauritius “not just a partner but family,” Modi emphasized the island nation’s key role in India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision Mahasagar. He recalled attending Mauritius’ National Day celebrations in March, when bilateral ties were elevated to an “Enhanced Strategic Partnership.”

Highlighting new developmental initiatives, PM Modi announced India’s support for the construction of an AYUSH Centre of Excellence, a 500-bed Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National (SSRN) Hospital, a Veterinary School, and an Animal Hospital in Mauritius.

He also noted that the first Jan Aushadhi Kendra outside India has been established in Mauritius, improving access to affordable medicines.

Modi lauded the conclusion of the historic Chagos Agreement, under which the UK agreed to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, including the strategic atoll of Diego Garcia, to Mauritius after more than 50 years.

“India has always supported decolonisation and full recognition of Mauritius’s sovereignty and stood firmly with Mauritius in this,” Modi said, reaffirming India’s role as a trusted partner.

The Prime Minister further underlined the shared historical and cultural links between India and Mauritius, calling the visit a “spiritual meeting” rather than a mere formality.

He added that the new economic package will create jobs, improve infrastructure, and strengthen healthcare facilities in Mauritius.

Modi concluded by stressing that a free, open, and prosperous Indian Ocean is a shared interest of both nations. “India and Mauritius are two nations, but our dreams and destinies are one,” he remarked.