What happened?
On September 11, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Varanasi during Ramgoolam’s first overseas bilateral visit to India in his current term, from September 9 to 16. The meeting highlighted the warmth and depth of India–Mauritius ties. Ramgoolam arrived in Varanasi, where he received a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour from Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel.
Why it matters to India
The meeting in the historic city underscored the deep-rooted civilisational, cultural and people-to-people connections between the two countries. Both leaders reviewed the full spectrum of cooperation, focusing on development partnership and capacity building, and explored avenues for collaboration in health, education, science and technology, energy, infrastructure, renewable energy, digital public infrastructure and the blue economy. This visit builds on the positive momentum created by Prime Minister Modi’s State Visit to Mauritius in March 2025, when the two leaders elevated the relationship to an “Enhanced Strategic Partnership”. Mauritius is a valued partner and close maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region, central to India’s MAHASAGAR Vision and ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. The deepening of ties carries significance for the prosperity of both nations and for advancing the shared aspirations of the Global South.