Port Louis: The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, has arrived in the Republic of Mauritius for a three-day State Visit from March 11th to 13th. The visit is in response to an invitation extended by the Government of Mauritius to attend the National Day celebrations on March 12th as the Chief Guest.
A highlight of the visit includes the participation of a contingent from the Indian Navy, alongside two ships from the First Training Squadron, INS Tir and CGS Sarathi, in the National Day celebrations. The collaboration between the naval forces of both nations symbolizes the strong ties and shared maritime interests.
President Murmu is scheduled to engage in crucial bilateral meetings with the President of the Republic of Mauritius, H.E. Mr. Prithvirajsing Roopun, and Prime Minister of Mauritius, H.E. Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth. The agenda also includes meetings with the Speaker of the Mauritius National Assembly, the Chief Justice of the Mauritian Supreme Court, and other influential leaders in Mauritius.
An important aspect of the visit involves the joint inauguration of 14 India-assisted projects by President Murmu and Prime Minister Jugnauth. These projects exemplify the diverse and expansive nature of India’s development partnership with Mauritius, emphasizing the strategic significance of their bilateral relationship.
President Murmu’s itinerary extends beyond official engagements to pay homage at the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden and visits to historical and cultural sites such as the Aapravasi Ghat, the Intercontinental Slavery Museum, and the sacred Ganga Talao. These visits reflect a shared history and cultural heritage between India and Mauritius.
In addition, the President is scheduled to address Mauritian youth at the University of Mauritius, engage with socio-cultural organizations, and connect with the Indian diaspora and community at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute. These interactions aim to strengthen people-to-people ties and foster a deeper understanding between the two nations.
President Droupadi Murmu’s presence as the Chief Guest at the Mauritian National Day celebrations marks the sixth occasion since 2000 that an Indian President has graced the event. This visit underscores the enduring and longstanding ties between India and Mauritius, emphasizing the commitment of both nations to further enhance cooperation across various sectors and deepen their close bonds.